BOSTON — Alex Bregman believes he could skip a minor-league rehab assignment and be back in Boston’s lineup before the All-Star break. The two-time All-Star third baseman, who has been sidelined since May 24 with a strained right quad, said there’s even a chance his return could happen by the end of this week.

Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman has the leverage in his contract renegotiations with the Red Sox front office.