Start at third base for Dodgers veteran Chase Utley is a career first

The Dodgers’ series opener Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks was the 1,575th game of Chase Utley’s career.

It was his first at third base.

Manager Don Mattingly didn’t view the move as permanent, as he expected Justin Turner to soon return to the starting lineup.

But with Turner undergoing an MRI examination earlier in the day, Mattingly was forced to consider the uncomfortable prospect of losing his starting third baseman for the foreseeable future.

“I’m not quite sure what we’d do there,” Mattingly said.

Utley, 36, has worked out at third base in recent weeks, knowing that Howie Kendrick would reclaim the role as the team’s primary second baseman upon his return from the disabled list.

Alex Guerrero, who started at third base Saturday, is viewed by management as a defensive liability.

Utilityman Enrique Hernandez is close to returning from the disabled list but has played only one game at third base this season.

Another potential long-term replacement for Turner is rookie Corey Seager. But moving Seager to third base would require veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins to be healthy. Rollins, 36, hasn’t started a game in more than two weeks because of a sprained right index finger.

Almost back

Hernandez said he thinks he could return from the disabled list while the Dodgers are visiting the San Francisco Giants early next week.

“I feel 100%,” he said. “I feel like I’m ready to play.”

Hernandez sprinted around the bases Monday at what he said was maximum intensity. He also ran the bases at a similar effort two days earlier.

“No issues,” said Hernandez, who landed on the disabled list Aug. 31 because of a strained left hamstring.

The next step in his recovery will take place at the Dodgers’ spring training complex in Arizona, where Hernandez is expected to play in simulated games. “Basically going back there to get back in the rhythm of things,” he said.

Even if he can’t play against the Giants, he said he expects to play in the final series of the regular season, a three-game set against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. The series starts Oct. 2.

“Looking forward to coming back before the playoffs so I can get a few at-bats and hopefully make a case for that playoff roster,” Hernandez said.

With the playoff roster limited to 25 players, Hernandez could be particularly valuable because of his versatility. The 24-year-old has played six positions this season.

Three more years

Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin has agreed to a new three-year contract to remain the Spanish-language radio voice of the Dodgers.

Jarrin, 79, is currently in his 57th season with the team.

“I wanted to complete 60 seasons with the Dodgers,” Jarrin said in Spanish.

Jarrin said he hasn’t determined whether he will continue broadcasting after that: “I’ll see how I feel then.”

The Dodgers announced Jarrin’s new deal on their video scoreboard before the sixth inning of Monday’s game.

dylan.hernandez@latimes.com

Twitter: @dylanohernandez