J.A. Happ, the Blue Jays left-hander who has been out since May 7 when he was struck in the head with a sharp line drive, began his minor-league rehab assignment Thursday and could be ready to rejoin the Jays before the end of the month.

Pitching for the Class-A Dunedin Blue Jays against the Fort Myers Miracle, Happ threw five scoreless innings, giving up three singles while striking out seven.

The 30-year-old Illinois native suffered a sprained right knee when he was hit on the side of the head by a Desmond Jennings line drive in Tampa more than 10 weeks ago. He also suffered a minor skull fracture at the time, but the knee injury is what has kept him out.

Before the injury, Happ was 2-2 with a 4.91 ERA through seven starts.

He will likely make one or two more rehab starts before being activated off the disabled list.

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