Hardy (foot) could return as early as Friday, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hardy just began a rehab stint Tuesday and it sounds like Friday is a best case scenario, so it's possible he'll need a bit more time. Either way, it's an encouraging sign that the 33-year-old is not far off from a return after being sidelined for the past six weeks. He figures to slot back in as the regular shortstop whenever he's ready.