Reds manager Bryan Price said Tuesday that he's optimistic Phillips (thumb) will get into rehab games before the minor league seasons end, C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Phillips just received clearance to take swings off a tee last Thursday but he took the next step Tuesday, advancing to on-field batting practice. Fielding is still the biggest concern for the Reds, as Phillips still is yet to field grounders with a normal glove, so a rehab assignment may not necessarily be imminent. That said, it does sound like Phillips will be able to return to game action before the end of the month.