Jackson to begin rehab assignment Monday

DETROIT -- Return is finally in sight for Austin Jackson. First, however, he's going to take a Triple-A road trip.

The Tigers' center fielder will join Toledo on a rehab assignment beginning Monday. The Mud Hens just embarked on a nine-day road trip, so Jackson will have to hit the road to Rochester, N.Y.

Jackson is expected to serve as the designated hitter on Monday before stepping up his outfield work on Tuesday. He'll take an off-day with the Hens on Wednesday before they begin a four-game series at Syracuse the next night.

If things go as hoped, Jackson won't be there for the end of the series.

"There's a possibility he could join us in Minnesota," manager Jim Leyland said, referring to the Tigers' series against the Twins next weekend.

Jackson has been shelved since May 12 with a pulled left hamstring. What was initially hoped to be a short stay on the 15-day disabled list became a four-week absence when lingering soreness prevented Jackson from accelerating pain-free to full speed.