Colorado Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau, who's missed most of the season with a neck injury and concussion symptoms, begins a minor-league rehab assignment with the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats on Friday night.
Morneau hasn't played since suffering whiplash and a concussion while diving for a ball in Anaheim on May 13.
Morneau has a long history of concussions, missing significant time in 2010 and `11 with concussions.
Earlier this month, Morneau took batting practice on the field for the first time since his latest injury and said his goal was to return to the Rockies this season.
Morneau won the NL batting crown with a .319 average last year, his first with the Rockies.
The Rockies and Morneau, 34, have a mutual $9 million option for 2016.