Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis will begin an injury rehab assignment on Friday at Triple-A St. Paul. Lewis hasn't played since he picked up a moderate hamstring strain while running out a ground ball in a spring training game on March 16.

If Lewis arrives at the park in good shape Thursday, he potentially could begin a rehab assignment as soon as Friday.

Over the past few days, hope and excitement around Royce Lewis, erstwhile top prospect and current oft-injured superstar-in-waiting, has grown. The first real sign that his return may be imminent came before the Tuesday night game against the White Sox, when Lewis was spotted doing sprints.