Jim Thome (back) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Clearwater Friday. Thome has been used as a DH in extended spring training games and hasn't had any setbacks so far. He'll likely be with Clearwater for a week, as the Phillies are aiming to have him back to serve as the DH in their three interleague series starting on June 8.

Jim Thome (back) could be activated from the disabled list in time to serve as the designated hitter in the Phillies' three interleague series starting on June 8. Thome has been the DH in extended spring games the past few days, but it's not clear if he'll go on a rehab assignment. He's been out since late April with back issues.

Jim Thome (back) played in an extended spring training intrasqaud game Thursday. Thome has been sidelined for nearly a month now with a lower back strain. It's not clear when he'll be ready for an official minor league rehab assignment.

Jim Thome (back) will not return from the disabled list when he's eligible Monday. Thome landed on the disabled list late last month due to a lower back strain. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. said Friday that he has begun taking some dry swings, but he'll need to increase baseball activities before rejoining the team. It's not clear if he'll need a brief rehab stint.

Phillies placed 1B Jim Thome on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 29, with a lower back strain. Thome hasn't played since tweaking his lower back on a slide into second base during Saturday's game. He hoped to avoid a DL-stint, but the Phillies couldn't go short-handed on their bench any longer. The 41-year-old slugger is just 2-for-18 (.111) with 10 strikeouts this season. The Phillies have recalled catcher Erik Kratz from the minors to take his place on the active roster.

Jim Thome (back) is unavailable on Tuesday night. Thome made an early exit from Saturday's game against the Cubs after feeling back discomfort and is still trying to work his way through it. The veteran slugger has a .111/.238/.111 slash line in 12 games played.

Jim Thome was still experiencing back discomfort Sunday after making an early exit from Saturday's game. "It's no worse, and about the same as [Saturday]," the veteran slugger told reporters. It's not clear whether he'll be ready for Monday's series finale against the Cubs.

Jim Thome left Saturday's game in the top of the fifth inning due to apparent back stiffness. Ty Wigginton replaced Thome at first base for the Phillies. We'll pass along any updates on his status as soon as more is known.

Jim Thome is getting the start at first base for the Phillies Sunday. He's batting fifth behind Hunter Pence. The last time Thome received a start somewhere other than designated hitter was June 13, 2007. He played some first base in spring training and is expected to receive a start or two there per week while Ryan Howard (Achilles) is sidelined.

Jim Thome woke up "a little sore" Tuesday after playing first base in a minor league game on Monday. Not surprising given that Thome hasn't played first base in a major league game since 2007 and hasn't played the position regularly since his previous stint with the Phillies in 2005. The 41-year-old is slated to get some more work in during a minor league game on Thursday. "I just need to play, I need to go do it," said Thome. "I'm excited to get back out there." Ty Wigginton and John Mayberry Jr. figure to see most of the playing time at first base until Ryan Howard (Achilles surgery) is ready to return, but Thome could also get a start or two per week.