KANSAS CITY -- Royals manager Ned Yost said Jorge Soler, who is on the 60-day disabled list with a fractured left toe, is close to beginning a rehab assignment, probably with Triple-A Omaha.
"It could be over the next couple of days," Yost said.
Soler, who has been out since June 16, has been doing outfield and baserunning drills while also taking batting practice. Yost said the Royals would like to get him some at-bats at the big league level before the season ends, but they will still be cautious about his usage.
"Will he probably come back and play the outfield? Nah," Yost said. "We'll probably DH him and get him some at-bats and make sure he's ready to go Spring Training.
"He's functioning now with no pain so it's a good thing to get him some at-bats to get his timing back. "
Kennedy also close
Right-hander Ian Kennedy, who has been on the disabled list since July 11 because of a left oblique strain, also is expected to go out on a rehab assignment, possibly as soon as Wednesday.
"He feels good," Yost said. "Got through his 60-pitch [sim game] fine. He's only going to need one start down there."