Rusin (oblique) is expected to return to game action before the end of March, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.
The left-hander appears to be on track in his recovery from a strained oblique after tossing his second bullpen session Friday. The next step of his rehab process will be to pitch to hitters Sunday, after which a firmer timetable for his return to the Cactus League likely will come forth. This development seems to have Rusin in line to be game-ready by Opening Day, although he likely won't be stretched out enough to garner one of the vacant positions in the rotation, leaving him in a bullpen role to start the season.