Van Slyke might return for weekend series

LOS ANGELES -- Scott Van Slyke could return from the disabled list during an upcoming four-game series against the Phillies, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Wednesday.

Van Slyke continued his Minor League rehab assignment Wednesday and played seven innings in left field, going 1-for-4 with Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga. He had been rehabbing with Triple-A Albuquerque, but returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday to be evaluated by the Dodgers medical staff. Van Slyke has been on the DL since June 11 with left shoulder bursitis.

Mattingly said Van Slyke would play in another rehab game with Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday. He could then be activated Friday, when the Dodgers face Philadelphia left-hander John Lannan. Another lefty, Cliff Lee, is scheduled to start for the Phillies on Saturday.

"With Scott, he allows us to go all right-handed [in the outfield] if we want to against a tough lefty," Mattingly said.

In addition to facing left-handers, Mattingly said he envisions using Van Slyke off the bench and occasionally at first base to spell Adrian Gonzalez.

Van Slyke hit .221 with six homers and 11 RBIs in 24 games before his injury.