KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ramón Laureano is getting enough at-bats in simulated game action at the A’s minor-league complex that he might not necessarily need an official rehab assignment.

The center fielder, who has been on the IL since July 29 with a stress reaction in his right shin, has been hitting against minor-league pitchers — and against suspended A’s starter Frankie Montas, who has been working out at the complex in Mesa, Ariz., while serving his 80 game suspension for violating baseball’s drug policy.

Laureano is running every other day, according to manager Bob Melvin.

“He’s feeling good,” Melvin said. “It’s all about when the doctors clear him to get here. We’re not quite there yet.”

Melvin said the at-bats in Arizona could be considered a rehab assignment. “My guess is he’ll get plenty of at-bats,” Melvin said.

Laureano’s return had been expected on or about Sunday — but Melvin indicated Tuesday that Laureano might still be hitting off pitchers when the A’s return home next week, so it’s possible he won’t be ready to go until the homestand.

Montas was the A’s best pitcher at the time of his suspension; he was 9-2 with a 2.70 ERA when he tested positive for ostarine, a performance-enhancing drug that is banned under baseball’s Joint Drug Agreement. He is eligible to return for the final six games of the regular season and in the event of a game 163, and he is out of options so must go back on the roster. But he is not eligible to pitch in the postseason, so it’s unclear how Oakland will use Montas, especially if the rotation continues to flourish.

Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sslusser@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @susanslusser