Hairston could return to lineup on Sunday

LOS ANGELES -- Jerry Hairston could return to the Dodgers as early as Sunday, after playing five innings on Saturday for Class A Rancho Cucamonga.

Hairston, who played the outfield and went 0-for-2, played six innings at third base on Friday night with the Quakes, going 0-for-3. The Dodgers could activate him from the disabled list before Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

"We'll get Jerry back fairly soon here," manager Don Mattingly said on Saturday afternoon. "He'll play another day and then we'll make a decision. He says he's ready and medical is basically saying one more day."

Hairston has been on the disabled list since May 7, due to a left groin strain and left knee tendinitis.

Mattingly said the veteran utility man would see more time in the infield than the outfield when he returns to the Majors.