LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson is slightly ahead of schedule in his return from a right groin strain, as he began a Minor League rehab assignment Monday with Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga.
Pederson started at designated hitter and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout. The Dodgers placed him on the 10-day disabled list April 24, and Pederson was originally slated to begin his rehab assignment Wednesday.
"I think we didn't know the extent of his injury, and when he got back to Los Angeles from the road trip, he got with the medical staff and really just made tremendous progress," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before Monday's series opener against the Giants. "I've got full confidence that he's good to go."
The Dodgers are getting Pederson ready to return to the club Friday for the series opener against the Padres in San Diego.
"He's going to DH tonight, go through that progression and hopefully if things go well we'll see him on Friday," Robert said. "He'll take three at-bats tonight, so that's exciting."
Pederson isn't the only player on the disabled list the Dodgers are expecting back this week. Outfielder Franklin Gutierrez (hamstring) is scheduled to be activated before Tuesday's game, Roberts said. Second baseman John Forsythe (broken toe) is expected to begin a Minor League rehab assignment with Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday or Thursday.
Meanwhile, starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (hip), reliever Josh Ravin (groin) and ultility man Rob Segedin (toe) are facing longer roads in their rehab processes.
Ravin made his first rehab appearance with Rancho Cucamonga on Monday, striking out one and allowing one hit in a scoreless inning. He's essentially starting Spring Training, Roberts said.
Kazmir threw a bullpen session over the weekend and is scheduled to remain in Los Angeles and throw again when the Dodgers leave for San Diego.
"I don't know when we're going to send him out on a rehab," Roberts said. "Hopefully he'll be out soon and he'll be back with us soon."
Segedin is working out in Arizona at the Dodgers' complex at Camelback Ranch Glendale. Roberts said a date for a rehab assignment for Segedin has not been set yet.
"He's in Arizona right now doing some baseball activities, but he still says that it's not right," Roberts said. "I know, obviously, every day he's getting better, but I think that with the time he's missed, it's still, once he starts, it's going to be certainly a week of games at least to show that he's healthy."