Yankees OF Hideki Matsui Ahead of Schedule

Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui's recovery from a knee injury appears to be ahead of schedule -- going so well in fact that he might be back in early September, if not the end of August.

Matsui -- now wearing a new brace -- initially had stated his goal was to begin a rehabilitation program instead of undergoing season-ending surgery. The plan was that if the rehab was successful, he would be back shortly before the playoffs.

However, after fewer than 14 days, Matsui has resumed limited baseball activities, swinging with a bat and soft tossing and catching a baseball, according to The New York Daily News.

Though there is no timetable for his return, Matsui hopes -- barring any setbacks -- to take the field in minor league action in a week or two, The News said.