Cody still hopeful for Opener

Cody Ross continues to hold out hope that he will be ready for Opening Day.

Friday was another reason for optimism. Playing in a Minor League game with low Class A Greensboro, Ross had five at-bats as a designated hitter. Although he grounded out and lifted four flyouts, it was an encouraging afternoon.

Ross, who had an MRI on Tuesday, is recovering from a mild right calf strain. Whether he will be ready for the opener will be decided after he plays about five or six innings in the outfield in another Minor League game on Saturday.

The Marlins open on Monday against the Mets at Citi Field.

“We’ll see how I feel, and we’ll go from there,” Ross said Friday. “If all goes well, I’ll fly to New York.”

If the decision is made that Ross isn’t ready, he will open the season on the disabled list, retoactive to March 26. The earliest he would be activiated is April 10. But as of now, the hope is Ross will be ready.

If Ross did open on the DL, and a Minor Leaguer were to be called up, Scott Cousins is the frontrunner to get the nod. The other option is Jai Miller.

– Joe Frisaro