Dodgers encouraged by Hairston's MRI

PITTSBURGH -- Dodgers manager Don Mattingly was encouraged by the initial results from an MRI exam infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. underwent on his left hip on Wednesday.

Hairston is scheduled to be examined by two hip specialists. Mattingly can't say for certain when Hairston will return, but the manager liked what he heard following the MRI.

"It sounded pretty good so far," Mattingly said. "They probably want to wait to talk about it until they actually hear the specialists talk about it. But the initial kind of thoughts on it were pretty good.

"[There's] some stuff in there -- not sure if that's normal kind of wear and tear with guys [who have] played a long time. Pretty good result for us so far."

If the meetings with the specialists go well, Mattingly said Hairston should be able to participate in baseball activities within a few days.

The Dodgers placed the 36-year-old on the 15-day disabled list with left hip inflammation on Monday, retroactive to Sunday. The team is confident Hairston will be able to return to the active roster when the two weeks are up.

In 78 games this season, Hairston has hit .273 with four home runs and 26 RBIs. The majority of his appearances have come at third and second base.