Ross on rehab assignment, could return Friday

MILWAUKEE -- Injured outfielder Cody Ross could return as soon as Friday, when the D-backs play host to the Dodgers.

Ross, who has not played in a Major League game since March 3 after straining his left calf, is currently on a rehab assignment with Class A Visalia.

Ross is slated to play five innings in the outfield Monday, and if all goes according to plan, he would fly back to Phoenix and possibly play nine innings in an extended spring game Thursday before being activated Friday.

As they have done throughout the process, the D-backs will err on the side of caution.

"We signed him to play, so when he's ready to play and be able to make contributions on a daily basis then I think you think about bringing him back," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said. "I don't want him to play minimal innings and then think that he's going to be able to play every day and not get hurt again."