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Cuddyer takes first BP since hamstring injury

CINCINNATI -- Rockies outfielder-first baseman Michael Cuddyer on Friday took a big step toward a return from a left hamstring strain by running and taking batting practice -- launching several balls deep into the seats in the left-field power alley at Great American Ballpark.

"I did the whole gamut today," Cuddyer said.

Cuddyer, who has been out a little more than three weeks, ran at about 70 percent, mixing in running on the outfield grass and the warning track. The next step, Cuddyer hoped, would be running the bases on Saturday or Sunday. Another test will be the ability to burst from the batter's box after hitting.

Because it was Cuddyer's first time running and taking batting practice since the injury, and because he has never dealt with the injury, there was still not a timetable on his return, although passing the aforementioned tests could put him in position for an injury rehab assignment.

Cuddyer was hitting .317 with three home runs, 10 RBIs and four doubles in 16 games before sustaining the injury running to first base on a ground ball on April 17 against the Padres at Petco Park.

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb.
Read More: Colorado Rockies, Michael Cuddyer