Zobrist could begin rehab assignment within week
Left medial meniscus tear has kept A's utility man on DL since April 25
OAKLAND -- Athletics utility man Ben Zobrist, currently on the disabled list with a left medial meniscus tear, could start a rehab assignment on Monday if he maintains his progress.
"While we have been here, he has seen more action on the field and taken more batting practice," A's manager Bob Melvin said Wednesday. "He looks good."
All but one of Zobrist's at-bats before the injury came in the third spot in the order, and he started five games at second base and seven in the outfield. He is batting .240 with a home run and eight RBIs.
Video: OAK@HOU: Zobrist doubles to right to extend A's lead
Zobrist left in the fifth inning of the April 19 game in Kansas City with knee soreness, was placed on the DL on April 25 after trying to play through the injury and underwent successful surgery on April 28. He was expected to miss between four and six weeks, but he appears to be ahead of schedule.
"It's impressive he's recovered so quickly," Melvin said.
In related news, first baseman Ike Davis (strained left quad) will miss at least a few more days. He left Monday's game in the fourth inning.
"He's still feeling it a little bit," Melvin said. "With the off-day and facing three left-handers in a row, we can give him some time to get over it. We knew it would be a few days anyway."