Chen set for rehab start; Ventura ready to return

ST. LOUIS -- Royals left-hander Bruce Chen is set to begin his Minor League injury rehabilitation assignment Tuesday night.

Chen is scheduled to pitch for Double-A Northwest Arkansas at Springdale, Ark., against Tulsa.

He's been out since April 25 with a bulging disk in his back. He had made four starts with a 1-2 record and a 7.45 ERA. His spot in the rotation was taken by lefty Danny Duffy, who pitched six innings in Monday night's 6-0 victory over the Cardinals.

On Monday afternoon, right-hander Yordano Ventura threw a successful side session, and he is ready to start Thursday night against the Cardinals in Kansas City.

Ventura skipped his last start after being pulled out of a Memorial Day game against the Astros in the third inning because of concerns over his elbow. He's since been cleared to resume pitching.