Updated

Alex Gordon is ready to take the next step in working his way back to the Royals' lineup.

Gordon, who has been on the disabled list since July 9 with a severe groin strain, is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon, according to the Kansas City Star.

The date hasn't been announced, but it "is going to come up shortly," Gordon told reporters on Thursday. "I can't tell you exactly when, but we've been talking about it. No dates have been finalized," he said.

Over the last few weeks, Gordon has progressed to throwing, taking batting practice and shagging fly balls during pregame workouts with his teammates.

The three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove outfielder was hitting .279 with 11 homers and 39 RBI through 78 games before his trip to the DL.

The Royals currently sit atop the AL Central with an 11-game lead over the second-place Twins, so Gordon doesn't feel pressed to rush back to the team before he's 100 percent healthy.

"I trust our trainers," Gordon said, "and the one thing I don't want to do is hurt it again and be out in September and October."

(h/t Kansas City Star)