Jay nearing return from left wrist tendinitis

KANSAS CITY -- Outfielder Jon Jay was in an upbeat mood as he relaxed in the Cardinals' clubhouse on Friday afternoon.

"I'm going to hit with the club on the field today and that's good news for me," Jay said.

Since going on the disabled list on May 11 with left wrist tendinitis, Jay has worked his way back with no complications. The center fielder is eligible to come off the DL on Tuesday.

"He's still working to get stronger," manager Mike Matheny said before the I-70 Series opener against the Royals. "Everything has been feeling good, so that's all positive."

Jay, who was hitting .248 through 30 games before going on the DL, said he hasn't thought about whether he might require a rehab assignment before returning to Major League action.

"I'm just trying to dominate each day and when we get to that point, we'll see what happens," Jay said.