After fracturing his thumb one month ago, third baseman Alex Gordon will begin his rehab assignment with Class-A Wilmington on Thursday. Last year Gordon was mostly injured or in the minors, batting just .232 in 164 major league at-bats.

Second baseman Alberto Callaspo will be back in the starting lineup Wednesday after feeling a twinge in his side while swinging left-handed. Callaspo hit .300 last year with 11 HR and 73 RBI.