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.