Byrd set for rehab assignment in Double-A

DETROIT -- The Reds received positive news regarding an injury Tuesday afternoon.

• Cast your Esurance All-Star ballot for #ASGWorthy players

Left fielder Marlon Byrd, who was placed on the disabled list on June 3 with a fractured right wrist, will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday at Double-A Pensacola. The move was a pleasant surprise to Cincinnati manager Bryan Price, who said he "didn't anticipate" Byrd being ready so soon.

"Some good news, huh?" Price said. "How about that?"

Byrd was leading off the sixth inning on June 2 against the Phillies when a Sean O'Sullivan pitch sailed inside and struck him. The 37-year-old was batting just .212/.286/.442 but had a .953 OPS in 26 games since the beginning of May. His return could be a significant boost to the Reds, who entered play Tuesday having scored just 2.40 runs per game on their current road trip.

In the days following the injury, Price said Byrd would require "at least a couple of weeks" on the disabled list before he would be reevaluated. 

"That's really good news," Price said. "For all the things we've talked about in a negative way in regards to injuries, he has healed quickly. He's done a lot of really good, positive work without any setbacks."

The Blue Wahoos begin a five-game homestand Wednesday before a three-day break for the Southern League All-Star Game.