Tyler Stephenson could begin a rehab assignment as early as Monday, and even he admits he was surprised at how quickly his broken thumb healed.
Stephenson broke his right thumb when a foul ball went straight to his throwing hand on June 9. In three weeks, he’s comfortable throwing to bases and hitting against live pitching. He faced rehabbing pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez in a live batting practice session before Friday’s game against Atlanta.
“Once I got out of the cast and started doing some stuff, I think it came quicker than we expected because it was picking up a bat, and I was like, ‘man, I feel good,’ ” Stephenson said.