Howie Kendrick feeling better, Yasiel Puig could rejoin Dodgers soon

LOS ANGELES -- A steady treatment of ice and rest did wonders for Howie Kendrick 's left knee, though the Dodgers second baseman remains out of the Dodgers lineup for the second straight day against the Cardinals.

"I feel a lot better today," Kendrick said on Friday. "Hopefully it's just a couple of days. It's just a matter of trying to get it better right now."

Kendrick said he wasn't sure if he'd be able to pinch hit on Friday, but the plan was for more ice and rest and see how his knee responds.

Kiké Hernandez gets the start at second base for a second straight night in Kendrick's place.

Manager Don Mattingly said that given Kendrick's improvement from Thursday to Friday, the club is confident Kendrick won't need a disabled list stint.

Yasiel Puig is currently on the disabled list, and scheduled to play in his second rehab game for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, in Lancaster on Friday night. Puig is batting second and scheduled to play Friday night.

"I want to be back Saturday, but it's not my decision," Puig told MLB.com on Thursday.

Mattingly didn't rule out a weekend return to the Dodgers for Puig, who last played for them on April 24.

"Anything is possible, but I'd rather get through the day and see where we're at," Mattingly said. "But his workouts have been really good. Before the game he was running at a pace, and all the reports were very encouraging."

Notes

Brandon Beachy was given a few extra days off since returning from Camelback Ranch in Arizona. He will throw a bullpen session on Monday or Tuesday, then possibly another bullpen session next week, moving closer to a rehab assignment.

Pedro Baez threw off a mound on Friday for the first time since getting placed on the disabled list. He last pitched in a game on May 13.

Scott Schebler, starting in left field and batting seventh in his major league debut, is wearing No. 55.

The shuffle

When Scott Schebler debuts tonight, he'll become the 15th player to suit up for both @Dodgers and @okc_dodgers this season.

— Alex Freedman (@azfreedman) June 5, 2015

An update on Ross Stripling, on the mend from Tommy John surgery. He could be headed for a Dodgers affiliate near you soon, gradually making his way back up the ladder:

"@dylanharr: @RossStripling how much longer you think youll be in extended?" Thinking 10 days or so. Pitch Mon/Sat then hopefully gone

— Ross Stripling (@RossStripling) June 5, 2015

Game info

Time: 7:10 p.m. PT

TV: SportsNet LA