Updated

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) All-Star outfielder Alex Gordon hopes to begin a rehab assignment in the next couple weeks and potentially rejoin the Kansas City Royals for their push toward an AL Central title.

Gordon has been on the disabled list since July 9 with a severely strained left groin. But he has been taking regular batting practice and earlier this week shagged fly balls.

The Royals still have not determined when Gordon will begin a rehab assignment, but the idea is to have him back for the final few weeks of the season.

That would get him back up to speed for the playoffs. Kansas City entered Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels with an 11 1/2-game lead in the division.