Ellis plays in first rehab game, but Kemp not ready

LOS ANGELES -- Injured Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp needs to run without discomfort from a strained right hamstring before he can begin a Minor League rehab assignment, but catcher A.J. Ellis began his rehab assignment on Tuesday and left-hander Chris Capuano won't be far behind.

Kemp took batting practice early at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, but will need to run the bases before he's ready to play in rehab games. Kemp tested his hamstring on Monday but experienced discomfort as he increased the intensity of his workout.

"He's still feeling some stuff in his leg, so it's a matter of time," manager Don Mattingly said.

Kemp hasn't played since he stained his hamstring on May 29 in Anaheim. He is on the disabled list, as are Ellis and Capuano.

Ellis, on the DL since May 30 with a slight left oblique strain, went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts as the designated hitter on Tuesday in his first rehab game for Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga. Ellis is scheduled to start with the Quakes as the designated hitter again on Wednesday.

Ellis is expected to be activated from the DL when eligible, for Friday night's game in Pittsburgh.

Capuano, out since May 30 with a left lat strain, threw a bullpen session on Tuesday. He's scheduled to start with Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday. The Dodgers plan to activate the left-hander June 19 to start vs. the Yankees in New York.