Reyes' ankle injury becoming distant memory

MINNEAPOLIS -- The severe left ankle injury that Jose Reyes suffered earlier this season appears to be a thing of the past, and the former All-Star is back to his old self on the field.

Reyes missed two and a half months earlier this season after he sprained his ankle while attempting to steal second base in a game against the Royals. He returned in late June, but it wasn't until recently that Reyes looked pain-free while going through his daily activities.

Reyes' range at shortstop has greatly improved, while he also appears to be running the bases with a lot more ease. The pain was expected to linger until the offseason, but it has started to go away, and Reyes said he's thinking about it less and less as each day goes by.

"I feel like it's way better," Reyes said. "The last two weeks, it has come along very good. I feel a lot looser. I still feel it a little bit, but it's way better than it was before. So, that's good to see, and I feel happy about it that I can run on the field, do my stuff, without thinking about anything else."

Reyes rushed back to the big leagues and was cleared to play when doctors determined he wasn't at risk of doing more damage to the ankle. It was a grind until recently, and a right knee injury made things even worse, but for the most part, he has been able to play through the pain.

The 30-year-old has a special brace that he'll wear for the rest of his career and continues to do daily stretches and exercises specifically designed for the ankle in an attempt to avoid future injuries.

Reyes will get all the rest he needs during the offseason, but for now his main goal is to finish the year strong.

"The season isn't over yet, and I feel that good," Reyes said. "I still feel it a little bit, but it's way better than it was months ago. Hopefully, I'll keep feeling better, and I can go into the offseason with a better idea and go to Spring Training 100 percent, and do what I do best, just play my game."