Chicago Cubs infielder Ben Zobrist, who has been on the restricted list since May, could be coming back to the team sooner than anyone thought, according to Team President Theo Epstein.

In a press availability before the Cubs’ game Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers, Epstein said that Zobrist wants to come back to the team, and could start a minor league assignment as soon as next week, according to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald.

According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, Zobrist does have some time to shake the rust off before he makes his return to the lineup, as he’ll only need to be activated from the restricted list by Aug. 31 to become playoff eligible for the Cubs.

Since the restricted list doesn’t come with a “rehab assignment” designation, the Cubs would have to option Zobrist to the minor leagues before he could begin playing again. To do that, the Cubs will need to activate the infielder back onto the 40-man roster, as his spot was vacated when he was placed on the restricted list earlier this season.

Zobrist has not appeared in a game since May 7, and has been going through divorce proceedings with his wife Julianna. The couple filed for the separation in mid-May, and Zobrist has not made public comment since the news surfaced.

During his time away, the Cubs have maintained that he could potentially return to the club before the end of the season, with teammates and even manager Joe Maddon expressing optimism that he would be back on the field.