Reds 2B Brandon Phillips to start rehab assignment on Friday

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips could start a minor-league rehab assignment as soon as this Friday, Reds manager Bryan Price said. Phillips has

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips could start a minor-league rehab assignment as soon as this Friday, Reds manager Bryan Price said.

Phillips has been sidelined since July 11 after surgery to repair a tendon tear in his left thumb, which he sustained while diving for a ball. Phillips was supposed to be out for six weeks. 

Price said it is likely that Phillips will join Triple-A Louisville in hopes of being activated for a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. He also could be activated for the home series against the Atlanta Braves starting Aug. 21. 

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 "He's going to certainly need at least a handful of at-bats to assess where he is and get his timing back somewhat and then we'll evaluate and see where he is," Price said to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Phillips, a three-time All-Star, is batting .272 with seven home runs and 40 RBI in 86 games this season.

- Scooby Axson