Ryan Ludwick has been on the disabled list since separating his shoulder on Opening Day, but the Reds outfielder is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Wednesday at Single-A.
Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports that he’s been hitting for two weeks and began taking batting practice with the Reds a few days ago, but according to Ludwick “it’s obviously going to be a longer rehab assignment.”
He’ll get a maximum of 20 days to rehab, although that clock can be restarted at any time if there’s a setback or a new injury. Either way, it sounds like early August is probably the targeted return date right now.
Ludwick hit .275 with 26 homers and an .877 OPS in 125 games last season, re-signing with the Reds on a two-year, $15 million deal. In his absence Cincinnati’s left fielders have hit a combined .245 with nine homers and a .700 OPS in 98 games.