Progress for Weeks, but activation uncertain

Following Tuesday's news that all-star second baseman Rickie Weeks could come off the disabled list within days, Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said Weeks was to run the bases in St. Louis on Wednesday for the first time since severely spraining his left ankle July 27. Weeks has been progressing in running drills and made enough progress Monday that Roenicke left open the possibility of bringing Weeks back as a pinch-hitter for the Brewers' four-game series with the Phillies this weekend. But as of Tuesday, he had not run the bases. "If he runs the bases today and he runs them really well, maybe we will (activate him Thursday)," Roenicke said. "That's not in my mind right now but we kind of just have to see what he does." A Thursday return would still be in a pinch-hitting only capacity, as the team plans to ease Weeks back into defensive duties. Earlier in the day, Weeks had gone through agility drills with head athletic trainer Roger Caplinger and the team planned for him to get out on the base paths before Wednesday's series finale with the Cardinals. However, Weeks' return could be held up past Thursday because Roenicke wants him to see some live pitching situations before returning. That's tougher for the Brewers now because they can't send him out on a rehab assignment with the minor league season over. "We talked about maybe trying to get him some kind of a simulated situation to let him see balls coming in a little harder, some breaking balls," Roenicke said. "So I'm not sure." Roenicke said a possible scenario could be having Weeks face one of the team's current relievers during a regular bullpen session. But with as crucial as the bullpen has been this season, the challenge then becomes figuring out whom to use. Tim Dillard and Frankie De La Cruz were mentioned as the likely two candidates, though Roenicke said he's not sure he wants Weeks to have face Dillard's uncommon side-arm delivery. The team has also discussed bringing a minor league pitcher in for the simulation. With the exact timing of Weeks return still up in the air, as well as his regular return to the lineup, Roenicke hasn't yet put a lot of thought into where he might slot Weeks in his batting order. "We want to see where Rickie is when he gets back," Roenicke said. "I doubt that he's going to be the same guy as before he got hurt. He hasn't played." Weeks hit leadoff the entire first half of the season, missing just one game, and also led off for the National League All-Star Team. Three games into the second half, though, Roenicke moved Weeks to the fifth spot in the order. Because he isn't sure how long it will take Weeks to get going again, Roenicke remains unsure of what the best fit will be in the order, but is confident Weeks can perform anywhere. "His mentality's not going to bother him at all where he is," Roenicke said. "He's very confident in what he can do." Green gets start at second base: With Jerry Hairston Jr. still dealing with stiffness in his neck and shoulder, rookie third baseman Taylor Green got a start at second base Wednesday. Green primarily played third base with Triple-A Nashville this season, but also saw time at second. With Green of to a 7-for-13 start at the plate since being called up Aug. 27, Roenicke is looking for ways to get him in games, but Casey McGehee remains the everyday third baseman. FOX Sports Wisconsin's Telly Hughes contributed to this report.