Royals outfielder Alex Gordon, out since July 9 with a groin injury, is expected to begin a rehab assignment this weekend with the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers, the Kansas City Star reported.
Gordon, 31, wouldn't say how many games he thought he would need and the Royals haven't officially announced his rehab, but the timing means that if all goes well he could be back with the Royals by the end of August.
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“I think we’re just going to play it by ear, see how it goes," Gordon said. “I think that we’ll be in contact during the rehab process. I’m going to be honest with them. I’m going to tell them if I feel comfortable.”
The three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove outfielder was hitting .279/.394/.457 with 11 homers and 39 RBIs through 78 games — his best offensive season since 2011 — when he suffered a Grade 2 groin strain. He has been throwing, taking regular batting practice and shagging fly balls during pregame workouts in the last couple of weeks.
After Gordon's injury, the Royals acquired A's utility player Ben Zobrist, who has become their regular left fielder. Zobrist could shift to right field or second base when Gordon returns, according to the Star.
Zobrist's presence in the lineup and the Royals' 12-game lead over the second-place Twins in the AL Central appears to remove any urgency for Gordon's rehab.
“There’s really no rush,” Gordon said. “We’ve got guys that are filling in and doing the job, and our team’s playing good. So there’s no reason to rush it.”
