KANSAS CITY -- Royals left fielder Alex Gordon, recovering from a broken bone near his right wrist, could go out on a rehab assignment as early as Sunday, manager Ned Yost said.
Gordon has been taking early batting practice all week, along with throwing sessions.
"He's been looking great," Yost said before Friday's game. "Judging by the number of balls he's been putting in the fountains, I'd say he's really close."
Yost said Gordon likely would start his rehab at Double-A Northwest Arkansas which is on a homestand. Triple-A Omaha will be home later in the week, Yost said, and Gordon likely would shift there.
"We figure he would need 20-25 at-bats," Yost said. "If he's doing great and needs less, that works, too."
Ventura appeal
The Royals have indicated they have not heard when right-hander Yordano Ventura's appeal of a nine-game suspension will be. The Royals will be in New York for games on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Mets -- those Interleague games are sandwiched between two off-days.
It's also possible Ventura might drop his appeal after Friday's game against the Tigers. He would then miss one start and be able to pitch again on June 29 at St. Louis.
Medlen stops by
Right-hander Kris Medlen, on the disabled list recovering from inflammation in the rotator cuff, is back in Kansas City after throwing once for Double-A Northwest Arkansas this week (two innings, no runs, five strikeouts).
Yost said Medlen is going to throw a side session under the watchful eye of pitching coach Dave Eiland this weekend and then go out on another rehab assignment.