TORONTO—Rocco Baldelli will begin his rehab assignment Tuesday in Triple-A Durham when the Bulls play Richmond.

Before today’s game against Toronto, Rays manager Joe Maddon said that the team is sending Baldelli down for about 20 days. Of course, Baldelli hasn’t played competitively since Oct. 3, 2004, so has to hone in on hitting, fielding and baserunning skills that haven’t been tested in 20 months.

Because of that, Maddon is determined that Baldelli will stay in Durham until he is 100 percent. So the 20-day assignment may be more of a guideline than a hard and fast time frame. Keep in mind that Baldelli not only needs to test his healing left hamstring, but also his knee and shoulder—and all at once.

At the same time, it could take less time. They Rays—for the right reasons—have coddled Baldelli by trying to be certain he won’t get reinjured. Once thing’s for sure, Baldelli is itching to get back out there. He’s been away from the game he loves for way too long. Maybe, once the Rays turns the reins loose on Baldelli, he will show everything he needs immediately.

Still, it’s a big step toward his return.