Van Slyke to work on timing before activation

LOS ANGELES -- Scott Van Slyke needs a few more Minor League rehab games before the Dodgers are ready to activate the outfielder from the disabled list, manager Don Mattingly said Tuesday.

Van Slyke, out since June 11 with left shoulder bursitis, returned to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday after three rehab games with Triple-A Albuquerque. But management believes the rookie still needs additional rehab games with Class A Rancho Cucamonga to get his timing down.

"We want him to play a couple more days," Mattingly said before Tuesday's game against the Giants. "He feels like his timing is not quite right."

Van Slyke was 2-for-12 with two doubles with the Isotopes, where he rehabbed with Matt Kemp, who was activated Tuesday. Van Slyke said his shoulder was feeling stronger, though.

"I think after the first couple games it was sore," Van Slyke said. "It's definitely feeling a lot better."

While Van Slyke was not on the 40-man roster to begin the season, he earned a second chance and capitalized by hitting .221 with six home runs and 11 RBIs in 24 games with the Dodgers before his injury. Mattingly said the club would find room for Van Slyke once he's ready.

"We like him; he gives us a guy off the bench with power," Mattingly said. "He gives us another right-handed bat in the outfield. He makes us better, I believe."