Dodgers outfielder Scott Van Slyke is on the disabled list but already getting his pregame reps in at … shortstop and third base. Van Slyke, who is suffering from “mid-back tightness,” said that bending over to field a ground ball is easier then turning and running to catch a fly ball.

More significantly, the outfielder said he is close to playing some rehab games. Don Mattingly said earlier this week that Van Slyke would not need any rehab games before returning to the major-league roster, but the manager said Tuesday “it sounds like (Van Slyke) is definitely going to play in a rehab game or two.”

Van Slyke is still expected to miss the minimum 15 days, or close to it. He is eligible to return Monday, when the Dodgers are playing on the road against the Texas Rangers.

In the meantime Van Slyke might either join the Dodgers this weekend in San Diego, where they play Friday, Saturday and Sunday, or head out on a minor-league rehab assignment during that time. His most likely destination: Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, which is playing at home this weekend and facilitating rehab assignments for pitchers Brandon League and Joel Peralta.

When Van Slyke begins his assignment will depend on his progress in the coming days.