The original prognosis from hand specialist Dr. Thomas Diliberti and Texas Rangers medical personnel called for four to six weeks before Delino DeShields would be able to return to the lineup.
"I'll be back sooner than four weeks," the center fielder said. "That's for sure."
Were it entirely up to DeShields, he would be reinstated from the 10-day disabled list Monday, two weeks after surgery to remove the broken hamate bone from his left hand. In his mind April 20 is realistic.
The hand is tender and the scar from the procedure has yet to fully heal, but DeShields believes he could be of use as a pinch-runner, defensive replacement and bunter by early next week for the three-game series at Tampa Bay.