Semien (wrist), who took batting practice before Friday's game for the first time since his injury, could begin a minor-league rehab assignment as early as next week, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports. "He's progressed really nicely to get to this point, and we all know he wants to get out there and play and get on a rehab assignment as soon as he can," manager Bob Melvin said. "If we feel good about where he's at, then in potentially a week or so maybe he looks to get out on a rehab assignment."

EDGE Analysis

The slugging shortstop has been improving at a brisk clip and appears to be on the brink of a return to game action. Semien has already missed 56 games as a result of his April 18 surgery, which has provided promising rookie Chad Pinder extended playing time. Assuming he doesn't encounter any setbacks the rest of the way, Semien currently projects for an early July return to the big-league club.