Santana could begin rehab assignment soon

CINCINNATI -- Brewers right fielder Domingo Santana took a step forward over the All-Star break while Chris Capuano took a significant step back, as both players continue comeback attempts from elbow injuries.
First, the positive news. Santana, sidelined since June 8 with soreness in his right elbow after an earlier disabled list stint for a shoulder injury, was a full participant in the Brewers' workout Friday at Great American Ball Park as the team prepared to open the second half. He could begin a Minor League rehabilitation assignment as soon as the end of next week, manager Craig Counsell said.
"We're definitely making progress," Counsell said.
Santana, who turns 24 on Aug. 5, was productive enough last season following a trade from Houston that the Brewers moved Ryan Braun back to left field to open a spot for Santana. He has hit .234/.347/.391 this season, one reason the Brewers are last in the Major Leagues with a .653 OPS from right field. Ramón Flores made his 31st start at the position on Friday.
While Santana, Flores and the rest of the Brewers began second-half play, Capuano was in Phoenix, where he underwent a platelet-rich plasma injection during the All-Star break. A two-time recipient of Tommy John surgery, Capuano is on the 60-day DL with a strained flexor tendon in his left elbow.
He will rehab at the team's Spring Training facility for at least the next week, Counsell said.
"We're trying the next thing," Counsell said. "It certainly backs him up a little bit. He's been through this, and we have to take all the steps, and the right steps, to get him back."