Dodgers activate Adrian Gonzalez from the DL, option Scott Van Slyke to Triple-A

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers activated first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the 10-day disabled list on Thursday before their series opener against the Marlins, hoping he is recovered from the right elbow soreness and sore back that plagued him during the first month of the season.

Gonzalez played in two minor league rehab games with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday and Wednesday, his first minor league games since 2005. Gonzalez was 3-for-6 with two doubles and two walks for the Quakes, and after Tuesday’s game said he no longer felt any symptoms from his ailments.

"I think the things that were bothering me the most are not there anymore so that’s good," Gonzalez said Tuesday.

Gonzalez ended up missing just 12 games on his first career DL stint, and a total of 14 days. The stay was originally thought to be longer, giving Gonzalez time to get fully healthy, but plans were accelerated once Andrew Toles tore his ACL and would miss the rest of the season.

That move opened up left field for Cody Bellinger, still leaving a need at first base.

"The slow program got a little quicker," manager Dave Roberts said last week. "In a perfect world, [Gonzalez would] be 100%. But under the circumstances, there is little gray in there I think."

Gonzalez on the season is hitting .255/.327/.309 with five doubles and no home runs in 29 games and 105 plate appearances.

To make roster room for Gonzalez, the Dodgers optioned Scott Van Slyke to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Since getting recalled, Van Slyke was 1-for-10 with a walk and a home run in seven games, including one start at first base.

On the season, Van Slyke is 5-for-41 (.122) with two home runs, a double, and six walks.