Raul Ibanez has spent the last two nights with the Reading Phillies, working out before games.

In each of the last two nights, the Phils expressed optimism that their starting left fielder, who was placed on the DL with a groin strain two weeks ago, would be seemed ready to begin a minor league rehab assignment by playing in a game.

But that won't happen until Friday at the earliest.

According to an email update from the team, Ibanez will not play for Reading tonight. The Phils remain hopeful Ibanez will be cleared to begin his rehab Friday after working out at the team's Double-A affiliate tonight.

Since team officials have said they would like to see Ibanez get between eight and 12 at-bats before he is activated, it appears highly unlikely he would be in Philadelphia this weekend when the Phils host the Mets.

Manager Charlie Manuel said Tuesday that he expects Ibanez to ease into playing, perhaps seeing five innings of action in his first rehab game, seven in his second and so on.

Ibanez is eligible to be activated Friday.