Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado expressed optimism about the current pace of his recovery from a broken finger that has kept him out since May 23.
That optimism stemmed from his Thursday activity, including hitting off a tee and taking fielding practice. He is closing in on a rehab assignment and might be back on the field for Colorado by the July 4 game against the visiting Dodgers.
"I'm getting really close to returning," Arenado told the Denver Post.
The Rockies can certainly use Arenado, who hit off a tee Thursday and hopes to take regular batting practice Friday. He was enjoying a breakthrough season, as his .305/.333/.489 stat line attests.