Kimbrel (knee) will throw one inning his first rehabilitation outing Saturday for Triple-A Pawtucket, and then the team will assess his readiness on Sunday to determine if he should be activated from the disabled list, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was just 19 days ago that Kimbrel had surgery on his left knee, and now it's looking like he can make it back to the team early next week in time for the series against the Mariners that begins Monday. With his return, the Red Sox will need to make a roster move and could look to trade one of their relievers before Monday's trade deadline.

Kimbrel (knee) will make a rehab appearance with Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was expected, but Kimbrel will indeed join Pawtucket with his knee responding well to Wednesday's bullpen session, his second of the week. It could end up being a very brief stop with the affiliate, as the Red Sox may activate Kimbrel after the one appearance, barring any setbacks with the knee. He should return to the closer role immediately upon activation, pushing Brad Ziegler to a setup role.

Kimbrel (knee) will begin a rehabilitation assignment Saturday for Triple-A Pawtucket, Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Sox are waiting to see how Kimbrel responds from Wednesday's bullpen session, his second of the week, before committing the injured closer to Pawtucket. Manager John Farrell said the rehab stint could a short one, and KImbrel could rejoin the Red Sox as early as next week during their 11-game road trip.

Kimbrel (knee) threw Wednesday and could be on the verge of beginning a rehab assignment, Ryan Hannable of WEEI reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Sox figure to release an official update on Kimbrel's status in the near future, but the report notes there were "fist pumps all around" after Kimbrel threw Wednesday morning, so he could be ready to head out on a rehab assignment in the near future. Kimbel could throw a couple times in the minors having been sidelined for several weeks, but he remains on track to rejoin the Red Sox at some point in the early portion of August.

Kimbrel threw a successful 20 pitch bullpen on Monday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel was placed on the disabled list on July 9, with a timetable of a 3-to-6-weeks. It looks like he is currently on the front side of that timetable, with a return of next week looking more likely. Kimbrel will need to have another strong session or two before going on a rehab assignment for Boston. He will return to his closer's role upon activation by the Red Sox.

Kimbrel (knee) played catch Sunday and will now throw a bullpen session Monday, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel was tentatively scheduled to throw a bullpen Sunday, but it's getting pushed out one day. If all goes well Monday, he will throw another bullpen Wednesday then face hitters in a minor league game or simulated game after that, which could come as soon as Friday. That opens up the possibility that he could return sometime next week when the Red Sox are in the middle of an 11-game, West Coast road trip.

Kimbrel (knee) is lined up to throw 20 pitches in the bullpen Sunday, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel was seen on the field prior to Saturday's game, practicing his delivery from the mound without a ball and then throwing in the outfield. The Red Sox want him to throw two bullpen sessions and then some kind of rehab work, whether that be a simulated game or a stint in the minors, before being activated. In theory, all that could be done this week and Kimbrel could join the team on its 10-game West Coast trip, which begins Thursday against the Angels. "Whether or not Craig travels with us remains to be seen. He would be getting close to a rehab appearance. Whether it's a sim game or not, that's all to be worked out," manager John Farrell said. Whatever transpires in the coming week, it looks like Kimbrel is ahead of the mid-August return date originally laid out for him.

Kimbrel (knee) is expected to throw a bullpen session over the next two days, Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel's rehab from knee surgery remains right on schedule, with the expectation that he'll be ready to return to the Boston bullpen sometime in mid-August. Assuming the right-hander emerges from the bullpen session without issue, he'll progress to a rehab assignment, which would presumably include multiple appearances.

Kimbrel (knee) threw from flat ground Wednesday and is on schedule to return from surgery within the initial three-to-six week timetable, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Kimbrel and Koji Uehara on the disabled list, Brad Ziegler will serve as the Red Sox's primary closer for now, but Robbie Ross and Tom Layne may also be in the mix depending on the situation. Nevertheless, all signs are pointing to Kimbrel's recovery being on track, which should put him back in the Boston bullpen around the middle of August.

Kimbrel (knee) underwent successful left knee arthroscopy and partial medial meniscectomy Monday and will be out 3-6 weeks, Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel's surgery went according to plan and he will now begin the rehab and recovery phase in an attempt to get back to full strength. The 28-year-old has a career high 3.55 ERA through 34 games for the Red Sox but has still converted on 17 of his 19 save opportunities.