Feeling better, Chavez could start rehab stint soon

PHOENIX -- Third baseman Eric Chavez has recovered at a faster than expected pace from a strained right oblique injury and could begin a rehab stint as soon as next week.

"Everything has been good -- hitting, running, throwing," Chavez said. "I didn't know really what to expect, but [it's] gone really good."

Chavez suffered the injury May 30 while taking a swing against the Rangers in Texas.

At the time of the injury, Chavez was one of the team's best hitters with a .325 batting average to go with seven homers and 25 RBIs.

Chavez does not think it will take him long to get his timing back at the plate.

"I told [manager Kirk Gibson] as far as timing is concerned, I don't need much," Chavez said. "For me, it will be more how does a check swing feel, how does a swing and miss feel, how does a 2-0 swing feel, all that stuff more than my timing. It doesn't take me long. I've only been out three weeks or whatever, so it's not going to take long."