Mattingly expects Van Slyke back in LA after rehab

SAN DIEGO -- Scott Van Slyke, on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Albuquerque along with Matt Kemp, is expected to return to the Dodgers and not the Isotopes when he's healthy, manager Don Mattingly indicated Sunday.

"I think there's room for him," Mattingly said of Van Slyke, who hit only .221 in 24 games, but provided needed right-handed power with six homers and a .559 slugging percentage.

Van Slyke also provides some flexibility, because he can play both corner outfield spots and first base.

"We talk about Adrian [Gonzalez] playing every day, it wouldn't hurt for him to have a day [off at first base]," said Mattingly. "Or when we go with an all right-handed lineup, we can have Van Slyke, [Yasiel] Puig and Matt, three power guys. There's a benefit to it.

"Would he have as much playing time as before? That's not really what I think. But he hits lefties and has shown he can play defense at both corners. I think there's room for him."

Mattingly's disclaimer is that roster maneuvering, option consideration and other technicalities can often complicate personnel moves.

"But I feel like there is space," he said.