Dodgers’ Matt Kemp to play in at least three minor league games

Matt Kemp is expected to play in at least three games for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga as part of a minor league rehabilitation assignment.

Kemp will play the first of those games Thursday, when he will be Rancho Cucamonga’s designated hitter in their home game against High Desert.

Kemp has missed 70 games and has been on the disabled list three times this season. His current DL stint is the result of a sprained left ankle he sustained in a home plate collision in Washington on July 21.

Kemp appeared to run without any problems Wednesday, a day after running the bases for the first time since his injury.

This has been a tough season for Kemp, who has been limited to 62 games. He is hitting .262 with only five home runs and 27 runs batted in.

Kemp might not return to the Dodgers as an everyday player, as the Dodgers have three high-caliber outfielders in Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford. Ethier has been playing center field in Kemp’s absence.