Alex Guerrero getting closer to Isotopes return

ALBUQUERQUE -- Dodgers infielder Alex Guerrero continued his rehab from having a large chunk of his left ear bitten off, playing his fifth game with the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers on Thursday night at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. Guerrero played second base on Thursday after playing third base and shortstop in his last two games after a pair of contests at designated hitter.

Guerrero has a sacrifice fly and a lineout in his first two plate appearances on Thursday night.

Guerrero made his first 28 starts in the field for the Isotopes at second base before playing a pair of games at shortstop in an effort to make him potentially more valuable for the Dodgers to use off the bench. Guerrero was going to start playing games at third base as well before Miguel Olivo derailed Guerrero's season.

Isotopes manager Damon Berryhill didn't have a timetable for Guerrero's return but said the infielder is getting closer.

"He's playing nine innings now, he's getting back into baseball shape," Berryhill said. "It should be sooner rather than later."

Guerrero's last game for Albuquerque was on May 20. The 27-year-old infielder is hitting .376/.417/.735 with 10 home runs, six doubles, three triples and 29 RBI in 33 games with the Isotopes in 2014.