Alex Rios (hand) could rejoin the Royals this weekend at some point during their three-game series against the Cubs, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.

Rios (hand) could rejoin the Royals this weekend at some point during their three-game series against the Cubs, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis:

Rios is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Monday, and if all goes well, he could collect enough tune-up at-bats to make a bid for the major league roster by the weekend. The 34-year-old caught a tough break after just seven games this season, as he was hit in the left hand with a pitch and the resulting fracture gave him a 6-to-8 week timetable for return. Fantasy owners are surely hoping he can pick up right where he left off, as Rios began the year 9-for-28 with a home run and two stolen bases.