Cabrera ready to begin rehab assignment

ST. PETERSBURG -- After a couple of days of running the bases, taking batting practice and fielding ground balls at Tropicana Field, Rays shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera is ready to take the next step in his rehabilitation from a right hamstring strain.

Manager Kevin Cash said after the Rays' 5-2 loss to the Orioles Sunday that the plan is for Cabrera to begin a rehab assignment and play five to seven innings at shortstop Monday for Class A Advanced Port Charlotte.

The announcement came just hours after Cabrera, who has been sidelined since July 11, said that he expected to be back at some point in the Rays upcoming series against the Tigers.

"We'll see how he feels," Cash said. "He's a veteran guy, so he gives us as good a sense as anybody as to when he thinks he is ready, but I know he is itching to get back."

Desmond Jennings is also closing in on a return to the Rays with Cash saying that "something official" regarding the outfielder's next step should come in a few days.