Chone Figgins begins rehab assignment with Isotopes

ALBUQUERQUE -- Dodgers utility man Chone Figgins began a minor league rehabilitation assignment on Thursday night with Triple-A Albuquerque, after missing more than a month on the disabled list. Figgins batted leadoff and went 1-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout against the Sacramento Rivercats (an Athletics affiliate), and played four innings at third base in his first game in five weeks.

Figgins was initially placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 14 with a strained left quad, but the injury was later corrected to a hip flexor. He last played on June 13.

Figgins tested the hip when he walked in the third inning, then advanced from first base to third on a passed ball by Sacramento catcher Luis Exposito. Figgins added an RBI single to right center field in the fourth.

Jamie Romak, who started in right field, took over at third base for Figgins to open the fifth inning.

Figgins was optioned to Triple-A earlier in the season and was 7-for-25 with two doubles and six walks, hitting .280/.419/.360 in eight games in April and May.

"It helps out out with his professional approach to the game, and he's willing to help the young guys," Isotopes manager Damon Berryhill said. "There is a plan. We'll see how it goes and how he feels."

That plan for Figgins, 36, includes four innings at third base Thursday night, six innings at second base on Friday, seven innings in a corner outfield spot on Saturday, and designated hitter on Sunday.

On the season with the Dodgers Figgins is hitting .217/.373/.267 in 76 plate appearances over 38 games. He started eight games at second base, four games at second base, played six innings in two other games at shortstop and part of one inning in left field in another game.