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Yasiel Puig could return to Dodgers lineup on June 20

Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig makes a running catch during a game against the Angels on May 19.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Yasiel Puig could rejoin the Dodgers on June 20, based on a timeline relayed by Manager Dave Roberts before Friday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.

Puig, who landed on the disabled list this week because of a strained hamstring, is expected to start a rehabilitation assignment with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Monday. After a week of action, the team would look to activate him to start a series against Washington at Dodger Stadium.

Puig took swings in the cage with hitting coach Turner Ward on Friday afternoon. The Dodgers have been trying to shorten Puig’s swing. He is hitting .237 with a .643 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Trayce Thompson has played right field often in Puig’s absence. Roberts suggested Thompson could shift back to left field, with Puig reclaiming his spot in right.

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Thompson has “played himself into a situation where he needs to be in there virtually every day,” Roberts said. “This game is about performance. Obviously, when Yasiel comes back, he’s going to play. Things have a way of working themselves out.

“But Yasiel has to play well, too. One component that he has brought consistently this year is his defense, which can’t be understated.”

Urias ready for San Francisco challenge

Noting a dearth of healthy right-handed hitters in San Francisco’s lineup, the Dodgers shifted their starting rotation so left-handed rookie Julio Urias (0-1, 6.94 earned-run average) can start Sunday in place of right-hander Mike Bolsinger.

Which means Urias, 19, will open his career with starts on the road against the Mets, Cubs and Giants in a four-outing stretch.

“Life isn’t easy,” Urias said through an interpreter. “Especially in this sport. If you’re not put in tough situations, when are you going to learn?”

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Roberts offered a vote of confidence for his teenage pitcher.

“This is another test,” Roberts said. “But we feel like he can handle it.”

andy.mccullough@latimes.com

Twitter: @McCulloughTimes

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