Ross' return appears imminent

PHOENIX -- Injured outfielder Cody Ross continues to make progress and could join the D-backs sometime next week, possibly in the series against the Mets that starts Monday.

Ross, who is working his way back from August hip injury, has six hits in his first 19 at-bats in six games for Triple-A Reno while on rehab assignment. He had two hits on Saturday night.

"He played almost eight innings [Saturday], so we are getting fairly close," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said. "We are getting close, but at the same time we are just getting him into seven, eight and nine innings. I think he might play nine [Sunday]."

Ross is expected to play left field and right field when he returns because he might not be ready to play center field yet, Gibson said.