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04/04/2008 2:53 PM ET
Matsui heads toward rehab assignment
Infielder to get exam Monday; could join Corpus Christi on Tuesday
By Alyson Footer / MLB.com
Kazuo Matsui could join the Double-A Hooks when they host the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. (David J. Phillip/AP)

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CHICAGO -- Second baseman Kazuo Matsui will be re-examined on Monday, and if doctors give him a clean bill of health, he'll head to Corpus Christi, Texas, to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday.

The Double-A Hooks will play at home Tuesday but have an off-day Wednesday, so Matsui would travel back to Houston to work out with the Astros that day. He would then rejoin the Hooks for their three-game series in Tulsa on Thursday through Saturday.

"If everything moves in a straight line, there's a chance he could be activated for the Sunday [April 13] game [versus Florida]," general manager Ed Wade said. "If not, we're hopeful he could go Tuesday [April 15] in Philly."

Matsui began the season on the disabled list after undergoing a surgical procedure during Spring Training. Because he was limited to 18 at-bats during the exhibition season, playing a few games in the Minor Leagues is essential.

"He needs to get some at-bats in," manager Cecil Cooper said. "He takes batting practice like everybody does, takes ground balls, the whole bit. We're turning him loose, for the most part."

Alyson Footer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.