Bonds says he could return next month

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – San Francisco Giants slugger Barry
Bonds says his injured right knee is improving and he may be
back in action next month.

The 41-year-old has had surgery on the knee three times
since January and has not played this season.

“Two weeks ago things didn’t look too promising but the
past 10 days my rehab has taken a turn for the better,” Bonds
said on his website on Wednesday. “My strength and endurance
have increased and my knee is feeling much better.

“I have been playing catch and in the next few weeks I hope
to be in the cage doing some hitting. There is a good
possibility I could be back in September with the team but if
not I will definitely be in the 2006 line-up.”

Bonds has 703 home runs, third on the all-time list. Hank
Aaron holds the record with 755 followed by Babe Ruth on 714.

Earlier this month, Bonds told Major League Baseball’s
official website he was unlikely to play this season.