Ross returns from DL; Rowland-Smith DFA'd
LOS ANGELES -- The D-backs activated outfielder Cody Ross from the disabled list Friday and manager Kirk Gibson put him right in the lineup.
To make room for Ross, the D-backs designated left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith for assignment.
Ross has not played since he suffered a fracture and dislocation of his right hip on Aug. 11 while running to first base.
"Obviously excited to be back with the guys and hoping I can help as much as I can," Ross said.
By all accounts, Ross returned ahead of initial projections from what is a unique injury in baseball.
Cody Ross takes BP ahead of his 2014 debut for the #Dbacks. pic.twitter.com/6HtbodboD4
- Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 19, 2014However there will be some differences, at least at first.
Prior to the injury, Ross had played left, center and right fields, but for now Gibson will not use him in center.
In addition, Ross has lost some of the speed he had and said doctors have told him they don't know if it will come back.
"I'm not running as well as I did before, but I don't feel any pain," Ross said. "It's good enough."