Nick Markakis Prepares To Return To Orioles By Opening Day

It's a tough road back from a torn abdominal muscle for Nick Markakis, but the Orioles outfielder assured the Baltimore Sun today that he'll be back by Opening Day.

Markakis said he's on schedule to complete the seven-week rehab process that follows his Jan. 6 surgery. He's been working in a swimming pool to strengthen the lower half of his core.

"It's not being able to do certain things I want to do," Markakis said. "It seems like a long recovery, but I know it's going to be over before I know it. Then we'll be rolling."