Brewers' Lucroy aiming to return from DL within next week
The Milwaukee Brewers are on the verge of having one of their most important bats back in the lineup.
Jonathan Lucroy, who has been sidelined since April 20 with a fractured big toe, said he expects to return before June 1 at the latest.
"It's feeling pretty good," Lucroy told Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I'm basically doing everything now. I'm getting close. I should be able to start playing soon. If I was guessing, I'd say I'll be back by our next road trip.
"I'm really excited. I can't wait to get back out there."
Lucroy is scheduled to undergo a follow-up X-ray on Monday and will likely go on a short rehab stint before he can return to action.
"It's a matter of days," manager Craig Counsell said. "I'm optimistic."
The 28-year-old catcher was a first-time All-Star last season, though his 2015 season is off to a sour start as he slashed .133/.216/.178 through his first 12 games before taking a foul tip off his left foot resulting in the injury.
Martin Maldonado has assumed the bulk of the catching duties during Lucroy's absence, hitting .168/.234/.228 with two home runs and 28 strikeouts in 33 games.