Reigning batting champ Morneau begins rehab assignment

Colorado Rockies' Justin Morneau (33) is congratulated at the plate by Josh Rutledge (14), and Charlie Blackmon (19) after hitting a three-run home run off Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Carlos Frias during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014, in Denver. (Jack Dempsey/AP)

DENVER — Colorado Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau, who’s missed most of the season with a neck injury and concussion symptoms, begins a minor league rehab assignment with the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats on Friday night.

Morneau hasn’t played since suffering whiplash and a concussion while diving for a ball in Anaheim on May 13.

Morneau has a long history of concussions, missing significant time in 2010 and ’11 with concussions.

Earlier this month, Morneau took batting practice on the field for the first time since his latest injury and said his goal was to return to the Rockies this season.

Morneau won the NL batting crown with a .319 average last year, his first with the Rockies.

The Rockies and Morneau, 34, have a mutual $9 million option for 2016.

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