Carl Crawford’s first-inning single Thursday was his third hit since he returned from the disabled list July 21. (Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA — Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said he’ll try to play Carl Crawford “at least once a series,” while giving either right fielder Yasiel Puig or left fielder Andre Ethier a day off.

Puig wasn’t in the starting lineup for Thursday’s series finale against the Phillies, while Ethier moved to right field and Crawford started in left. Crawford went 1-for-4 with a two-run single in the first inning.

“He’s really in Andre’s boat from last year, where Carl got hot and took off,” Mattingly said. “This year Andre’s been that guy who’s been our most consistent offensive outfielder. Carl, it’s not his fault he got hurt but he did. Andre got an opportunity and took off.”

Crawford missed 75 games earlier this season with a strained oblique muscle. His body might have less wear and tear at this point in the season than Puig or Ethier, but his timing at the plate is admittedly lacking.

For someone who got used to starting during his first 13 years in the league, that’s an inevitable consequence of decreased playing time. Crawford has started four of the Dodgers’ 14 games since he returned from the disabled list. He has three hits.

“It is easier said than done, but you’ve gotta do it,” Crawford said. “It’s good that you want to be out there, and I think they like that. At the same time you’ve got to just play your part. We all have to do that right now. The team is playing extremely well right now. The last thing you want to do is become a problem. That’s just the situation.”

As for Puig, “I think the days off are going to be good for Yasiel,” Mattingly said. “When he gets ‘em, you know, it seems — I don’t know if he was just used to playing less in Cuba, less games, but his focus seems to be sharper when he’s getting a day of fa week or something like that. I don’t think it’s going to affect anybody negatively. It’ll help Carl and it’ll help all of us in general.”