CINCINNATI -- Two players the Reds have waited for all season to return from injuries are closing in on rehab assignments.

Out in Goodyear, Ariz., second baseman Scooter Gennett was scheduled to play in simulated games on Friday night and Saturday. Left-handed pitcher Alex Wood will work his third side bullpen session on Saturday and face hitters in live batting practice on Tuesday.

“They’re moving along,” Reds manager David Bell said.

Gennett, who has been out with a severe right groin straight since March 22, has been at the team’s Spring Training complex since Wednesday facing pitchers in BP. His rehab assignment would be the next logical step after this weekend.

“He has a simulated game today and tomorrow, nothing planned after that. But I think if he gets through tomorrow, we can kind of expect a next step,” Bell said. “That hasn’t been determined yet. Nobody wants to get ahead of themselves. We just want to make sure he gets through tomorrow. It’s all moving forward.”

Wood, acquired from the Dodgers in December’s seven-player trade that also brought Yasiel Puig and Kyle Farmer to Cincinnati, hasn’t pitched in a game since Feb. 25 during Spring Training because of lower back spasms. He’s endured multiple setbacks since.

After bullpen sessions last Saturday in Philadelphia and Wednesday in Cleveland, Wood has not experienced any issues.

“Everything is all good,” Wood said. “Hopefully I will be going out on an assignment after [Tuesday].”

Normally when starters get ready during camp, they get four or five starts ahead of the regular season. Wood is hoping he doesn’t need that many games in the Minors before he can make his debut for Cincinnati. Rehab assignments for pitchers can last up to 30 days.

“I think it’ll be a combination of everything -- how I feel and those first two or three starts,” Wood said. “I’m hoping it will just be three starts and I’d be ready to roll. But we’re taking it one day at a time.”

Blandino optioned

The Reds activated infielder Alex Blandino from the 60-day injured list on Friday and optioned him to Triple-A Louisville. Blandino had been rehabbing from July reconstructive right knee surgery that repaired both his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments.

Top rounds of picks signed

On Thursday, the Reds agreed to terms with their 2019 second-round Draft pick, shortstop Rece Hinds. On Friday, the organization signed its seventh round selection, catcher Eric Yang, and the 11th round pick, outfielder Wendell Marrero.

The Reds have signed each of their first 11 picks since the Draft last week.