Cuddyer ready to begin rehab assignment

DENVER -- Michael Cuddyer's long journey back from his broken shoulder finally looks to have an end in sight with the Outfielder set to begin a lengthy rehab assignment Wednesday.

Cuddyer, who was batting .317 through 31 games before the injury occurred on June 5, will join Rookie League Grand Junction Wednesday for their second game in Billings, Mont.

He's expected to play a total of five games with Grand Junction, remaining with the team during their weekend series in Great Falls, Mont., before joining Double-A Tulsa following Monday's off-day. Cuddyer is set to play in four games during Tulsa's homestand in hopes of compiling a total of "around 40 at-bats," according to manager Walt Weiss.

"Cuddy has it mapped out," Weiss said. "Everything looks good so far, but obviously the big test is going out there playing, and playing the next day and the day after that."

While he's expected to see a majority of his time in right field, Weiss added that Cuddyer will get some action at first base and as the designated hitter as well.

Of course, Weiss also acknowledged that knowing Cuddyer, "he's going to get 15 at-bats and say he's ready," so there's no guarantee he'll require his full, nine-game stint. But at the moment, Weiss knows Cuddyer is just focused on getting back on his grind at the Rookie level, one he skipped while climbing the ladder to the Majors.

"He actually wanted to go be around the kids so he could impact the younger players," Weiss said. "He didn't have to, but he's actually going to ride the bus too, all the way from Billings to Great Falls."

Weiss, for one, is eager to find out how that works out.

"I've been to Great Falls and he may regret that," Weiss said. "I played in the Pioneer League, that's where I started. It's not the National League, I'll put it that way."