Dodgers outfielder Scott Van Slyke hasn’t played since April 9. (Getty Images)

Scott Van Slyke said Thursday that he expects to be taking batting practice “within a week” after noticing improvement in his lower back in recent days. The outfielder/first baseman was cleared earlier this week to hit off a tee and take swings on short-range tosses.

“I legitimately felt terrible for a few weeks picking up things, moving around,” he said. “It was a struggle the last couple weeks. Then everything settled and I’m building back up.”

Van Slyke said he isn’t sure if he’ll join the team next week on the road in Anaheim or San Diego. Regardless, it’s a long way from hitting and throwing to playing in games, and Van Slyke isn’t expected back until June.

He didn’t specify the exact source of the inflammation, other than to say it was connected to the same mid-back inflammation that sidelined him last season.

“I think if I take care of it and do the things that they’ve planned out for me — exercises, core routine and just doing things the right way, stretching — I don’t think it’ll be a problem,” he said. “I think it’s just a matter of maintenance.”