Headley approaching timely return

SAN DIEGO -- Third baseman Chase Headley will head to Class A Advanced Lake Elsinore on Monday to begin a rehab assignment as he recoveres from a right calf strain.

Headley has been on the disabled list since April 25 and will join fellow rehabbing players Carlos Quentin and Casey Kelly on the Storm team.

Manager Bud Black said Headley will play in games this week, and if all goes well, Headley will be ready to return to the Majors when he is eligible to come off the DL next weekend.

"Chase is going to Lake Elsinore," Black said. "He's going to play tomorrow and Tuesday and we'll talk about Wednesday. I think he's going to stay in Lake Elsinore for the week. Hopefully he'll be ready to go when he comes off [the DL]."

Based on the early returns on how Headley is responding to baseball activities -- he took grounders at third base prior to Sunday's game -- all signs point to an on-time return for Headley.

"Chase is a possibility for the weekend," Black said. "He's a high probability."