With the calendar nearing September, Mariners manager Scott Servais said he is hopeful Kyle Lewis can begin a rehab assignment as early as Monday or Tuesday.

Servais said Lewis, who went through pregame workouts on Friday and Saturday, was “moving around better” after his most recent workout.

“He went through a full workout in the outfield yesterday and felt pretty good coming out of that,” Servais said on Sunday. “ ... I was hoping [his rehab start] would be this weekend. The last I've heard it's probably going to be tomorrow or Tuesday. So, we'll see. Still day to day on that one.”

Lewis, who first began taking batting practice on Aug. 13, is expected to get at-bats as a DH when he begins his rehab before transitioning back to playing the outfield.

The 2020 AL Rookie of the Year has been out of action since May 31 after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee. Lewis’s start to the season was delayed until April 20 because of a bone bruise. He slashed .246/.333/.392 with five homers and 11 RBIs in 36 games before going on the IL on June 1 with the knee injury.

A possible return to form from the 26-year-old would come at a pivotal time for the Mariners.

Coming into Sunday, the Mariners were fourth in the Wild Card chase, two games behind the A's and 5 1/2 games back of the Red Sox for the second AL Wild Card spot.

Servais said he has spoken with Lewis about how rehab might play for him, and is hopeful he can help the club if he is back in time for the playoff race.

“I have had a chance to talk with [Lewis] and make sure he understands kind of where we're at as far as how many at-bats he may need [and] where we're at in the calendar right now,” Servais said. “We're creeping up on Sept. 1 and kind of going toward the finish line, and I would love to see him get out there and get a chance to impact our season here down the stretch.”