Phillies Notes: Phillies Ruiz cleared to remove boot

MILWAUKEE - Carlos Ruiz's career season was interrupted by a partial tear in his left foot, but there are signs he will return before 2012 is over.

Doctors have cleared Ruiz to no longer walk with the assistance of a boot starting Monday. He will then begin weight-bearing exercises.

"We expect him to play again this season," assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said.

When Ruiz was placed on the disabled list Aug. 4, the Phillies estimated a four- to six-week recovery time. Proefrock could not say if that has changed. Should Ruiz miss the maximum time estimated, it would leave only two weeks of games remaining in the season. Still, the Phillies intend to have him play.

Ruiz, while visiting Panama's team at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, told reporters he expects to play in early September.

He was hitting .335 with a .959 OPS before being disabled. The 33-year-old catcher started complaining of foot pain in mid-July, when his batting average was as high as .353.

Kevin Frandsen started his 19th straight game at third base Saturday. That streak will soon end with Placido Polanco nearing a return. Polanco (back inflammation) played his third and final rehab game for single-A Clearwater and spent nine innings at third base, committing one error. He was 1 for 4 with a single.

Polanco is expected to be activated Monday.