Alex Gordon ready to start rehab assignment with Class AAA Omaha on Sunday

Alex Gordon will begin a rehabilitation assignment with Class AAA Omaha on Sunday. He expects he will need at least a week of games before the Royals activate him, but Gordon is optimistic about his return after sitting out since July 8 because of a severely strained groin muscle.

“I’m tired of watching games from the bench and not being able to participate,” Gordon said before Thursday’s series opener against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. “But slowly I’ve been able to do more and more stuff. We feel like Sunday’s a good time to get things rolling.”

Gordon expects to alternate between designated hitter and left field during his first few days with the Storm Chasers. He is scheduled to begin playing only five innings at a time in the field, before graduating to longer assignments.

Gordon hopes he can come back before the rosters expand on Sept. 1.

“It all depends on, because I haven’t played in a game, it’s my feedback, it’s how I feel,” Gordon said.

Gordon has not felt any discomfort while swinging. But he does need to test how his body responds in the field. He has been able to sprint, but he said he has limited himself to moving at 90 percent speed.

“It’s almost, mentally, just doing it and getting it over with,” Gordon said. “And after I do it once, it’ll come naturally.”

This story was originally published August 20, 2015 at 6:17 PM with the headline "Alex Gordon ready to start rehab assignment with Class AAA Omaha on Sunday."