Back issue could put Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson on the disabled list

Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson runs the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning on July 3.

By Andy McCullough

July 15, 2016 6:50 PM PT

PHOENIX —

Despite taking four days off during the All-Star break, Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson was held out of the lineup on Friday due to lower-back irritation. Thompson felt a tweak in his side while swinging during Sunday’s first-half finale, Manager Dave Roberts said.

Roberts indicated the team had not ruled out a stint on the disabled list.

“The only thing it affects is his swing,” Roberts said before his team faced the Arizona Diamondbacks. “We’d like to not go there. But it’s still a possibility.”

After a breakout May, Thompson has cooled down considerably. He has five hits in 35 at-bats this month, with a .496 on-base plus slugging percentage.

The team may play short-handed for this series. Joc Pederson (sprained AC joint in shoulder) joined triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday for a three-day rehabilitation assignment. The Dodgers intend to activate him on Tuesday in Washington.

Sidelined since June 29 due to rib-cage inflammation, Enrique Hernandez is “still feeling some soreness,” Roberts said. The condition occurs when he throws, and he is not close to beginning a rehab assignment.

Kershaw is close to returning

Clayton Kershaw will throw four innings in a simulated outing on Saturday at Dodger Stadium. Both he and Alex Wood (elbow impingement) will face hitters brought in from Class-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Roberts has declined to reveal the next step for Kershaw, but a start on either Thursday in Washington or Friday in St. Louis appears likely.

Ethier is set for a scan

Andre Ethier was scheduled to undergo a scan on his fractured left leg on Friday, with the Dodgers hoping he would receive clearance to resume baseball activity.

Ethier has missed the entirety of the season after fouling a ball off his leg in March. Roberts expressed his hope earlier this month that Ethier could rejoin the Dodgers by Aug. 2. He admitted on Friday that projection was too aggressive.

“I was speaking my heart,” Roberts said. “I’m hopeful that he’s going to return [then]. But it’ll probably be mid-August.”

andy.mccullough@latimes.com

Twitter: @McCulloughTimes