Reds eyeing Friday return for Chapman

CINCINNATI -- The timetable for All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman to return to the Reds has been set.

Manager Bryan Price said Sunday that, if all goes well in two Minor League rehabilitation appearances this week, Chapman will be activated for Friday's game against Colorado at Great American Ball Park.

"He'll pitch a couple times for Louisville and then meet us back here when we come off the road," Price said.

The Reds have off days Monday and Thursday sandwiched around a two-game Interleague set at Boston. Chapman is scheduled to start and pitch one inning Tuesday night for Triple-A Louisville against Norfolk, then pitch one inning of relief for the Bats during Wednesday's day game.

Chapman pitched Thursday and Saturday for Class A Dayton, his first game action since March 19. On that day, he was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Kansas City's Salvador Perez. Surgery was required to repair fractures near his nose and left eye. A 3-inch plate and 12 screws were inserted to stabilize the bones around his left eyes, and staples in his scalp were removed April 2.

The 26-year-old left-hander saved 38 games for Cincinnati in both 2012 and 2013, being named to the National League All-Star team both years.