Minnesota Twins pitcher Phil Hughes could make a rehab assignment with the Cedar Rapids Kernels and pitch for them in the Midwest League playoffs against Peoria, according to a report in the Pioneer-Press newspaper in Minnesota.

Hughes, 29, has been on the 15-day Disabled List since Aug. 13 with a lower back strain. His final step before re-joining the Twins could come in an outing with the Kernels on Sunday or Monday against Peoria at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Kernels begin the best-of-3 series at Peoria Saturday night. Monday's game would be "if necessary" if the series is tied, 1-1, at that point.

Hughes is a 6-foot-5 right-hander. He has an 82-68 record in nine years in the Major Leagues with the Yankees and Twins, including a 10-8 mark and 4.49 ERA this season. His salary for this year is $9.2 million.