The Kansas City Royals could be getting one of their best players back just in time for the playoffs. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has missed the last month after breaking his thumb against the Houston Astros on Aug.

In an interview during the team’s broadcast of last night’s game, GM J.J. Picollo noted that Pasquantino “felt good” after the session but that the club will need to evaluate him today before deciding whether to activate him or have him continue rehabbing in hopes of impacting the club deeper into the playoffs,

If Pasquantino is truly healthy enough to return early, it would be a major boost to Kansas City’s offense. In 131 games with the Royals this year, the 26-year-old has hit a respectable .262/.315/.446 with 19 homers in 554 trips to the plate and a 108 wRC+.

Vinnie Pasquantino has done everything he can to position himself for an earlier-than-expected return as the MLB playoffs begin.

On August 29, Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino fractured his thumb in an unfortunate collision at first. The Royals have struggled mightily since, going 7-10 and scoring three or fewer runs nine times.