Royals’ Jorge Soler could begin rehab assignment early next week

The Royals have mapped out a plan that could lead to outfielder Jorge Soler beginning a minor-league rehab stint early next week, manager Ned Yost said Wednesday afternoon.

Soler, who is recovering from a strained oblique muscle, is slated to take batting practice on the field for the first time on Friday. He will continue on Saturday and Sunday, and barring any setbacks, Soler could go out on a rehab stint shortly after that, Yost said.

“We’ll see where he’s at,” Yost said.

Soler, 25, was expected to begin the season as the Royals’ starting right fielder after being acquired in an offseason trade with the Chicago Cubs for closer Wade Davis. Soler injured his oblique muscle while swinging a…