Gregory Polanco is on course to return to the Pirates before the end of the month.
The right fielder will begin an injury rehabilitation assignment with high Class A Bradenton tomorrow. Position players can spend a maximum of 20 days on a rehab assignment, meaning Polanco must be activated no later than April 27, barring any setbacks.
Polanco underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left (throwing) shoulder last Sept. 12. He was expected to be out anytime from mid-April to mid-June.
Dovydas Neverauskas will also start a rehab assignment with Bradenton tomorrow. The rookie right-hander began the season on the injured list with a left oblique strain.