Alex Gordon getting closer to return

Alex Gordon is making strides towards his return, as the Royals outfielder has progressed to hitting off of a tee and participating in agility drills.

"It was fine," Gordon told reporters in Toronto over the weekend. "Very, very standard. We were going to do tee work either tomorrow or the next day. So it wasn't anything out of the ordinary."

Gordon, who is working his way back from a groin injury, is now able to play catch and run and is scheduled to take indoor batting practice in Detroit this week.

While Gordon's condition is improving, manager Ned Yost says he's still on track for a late August-early September return.

"I still don't look for him (to return) until the end of August," Yost said. "But he's definitely making progress."

Gordon talked to reporters about his condition late last week.

"The swelling's moved from my groin," Gordon said. "Gravity's starting to push it down. So I'm getting the soreness wherever the bruising is coming out. I definitely feel it, but it's not painful or anything."

(h/t Kansas City Star)