Charlie Morton (hip) believes he'll be ready to join the Pirates' starting rotation by Opening Day, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Morton (hip) believes he'll be ready to join the Pirates' starting rotation by Opening Day, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis:

"When I get on the mound (in spring training), that will give me a great indicator of where I am," Morton said. The righthander, who underwent hip surgery in September, is already throwing from 120 feet. When healthy, Morton is expected to slot into Pittsburgh's rotation as it's third or fourth starter.