Jason Vargas (appendectomy) could rejoin the Royals' rotation later this week. Vargas played catch up to 110 feet Saturday and is expected to throw a short bullpen session Wednesday. He might only need one additional 'pen session after that before rejoining the rotation, as he's not expected to go out on a rehab assignment. "He still feels a little stretching sensation in there," manager Ned Yost said Saturday. "He'll be fine." Vargas is just 11 days removed from his projected 3-4 week timetable, so a return later this week would be sooner than expected.