DH Franmil Reyes on track to return to Guardians next week

Cleveland Guardians slugger and designated hitter Franmil Reyes endured a lousy spring that included a batting slump which resulted in his receiving advice from Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and David Ortiz. Reyes also suffered a strained right hamstring that has had him on the injured list since May 25. 

Per Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, Reyes began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, and Joe Noga of the same outlet noted on Friday that the 26-year-old feels he's nearing his return to the big-league lineup. 

Reyes remarked on Thursday he wants "to feel the hamstring is ready to play anywhere" Cleveland manager Terry Francona would want to use him upon his return, and Columbus manager Andy Tracy added he plans to give Reyes outfield reps this weekend. 

The Guardians are at the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend, and it's possible Reyes could rejoin the club for the series at the Minnesota Twins that gets underway on Tuesday. If he doesn't, it's hoped he'll be ready to go when the Guardians host the Boston Red Sox in a series opener next Friday. 

"I’m ready to get there and help them win," Reyes added during his comments. "There’s no doubt about the love I feel for those guys, the passion I have for them. They’re good fighters. They never give up. It’s fun to watch it from down here. I want to be there, of course, but I have to take care of myself." 

Before the setback, Reyes was batting .195 with three home runs, 12 RBI, and a 43% strikeout rate. The Guardians, meanwhile, began Friday's action at 32-27 and just two games back of the first-place Twins in the American League Central standings.