Dodgers’ Matt Kemp to play in rehab games at Rancho Cucamonga

Center fielder Matt Kemp is expected to play in at least three games for the Class-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes to prepare for his anticipated September return to the Dodgers.

Kemp’s minor league rehabilitation assignment is scheduled to start Thursday, when he will be Rancho Cucamonga’s designated hitter in their home game against High Desert.

Rancho Cucamonga’s regular season ends Monday, meaning Kemp could play in as many as five games with the Quakes even if they fail to reach the California League playoffs.

Kemp hasn’t played since he sprained his left ankle in a collision at the plate in Washington on July 21. He has sat out 70 games over three stints on the disabled list.

He has been limited to 37 major league at-bats since June 25.

Kemp ran without any problems Wednesday, a day after he tested his ankle for the first time on the basepaths since he was injured.

“Matt’s ready,” Manager Don Mattingly said. “He passed all the tests.”

Edinson Volquez agrees to a deal

The Dodgers have agreed to a major league deal with pitcher Edinson Volquez, who was released Tuesday by the San Diego Padres.

Volquez’s deal is expected to be finalized Thursday, according to people familiar with the situation. The Dodgers will have to pay Volquez only the prorated share of the major league minimum salary. Whatever else remains of Volquez’s $5.725-million salary will be paid by the Padres.

Volquez, 30, was an All-Star with the Cincinnati Reds in 2008, when he was 17-6 with a 3.21 earned-run average. He hasn’t had an ERA below 4.00 since then.

Volquez was 9-10 with a 6.01 ERA with the Padres.

Volquez has to be in the Dodgers organization by Saturday at 9 p.m. PDT to be eligible for postseason competition.

Volquez will offer the Dodgers another option for their final spot in the rotation occupied by Chris Capuano.

Capuano has an 6.98 ERA in his last four starts, all of which were five innings or shorter. Capuano won’t necessarily be dropped from the rotation right away, as the Dodgers could use Volquez as a sixth starter at least once to give the other starters an extra day of rest.

The Dodgers are expected to open a roster spot for Volquez by sending a player with options to the minor leagues. The Dodgers would be able to recall that player Tuesday, a day after the minor league season ends.

Adrian Gonzalez rests

First baseman Adrian Gonzalez was under the weather and out of the lineup, marking only the fifth time he didn’t appear in a game this season. Jerry Hairston Jr. replaced him at first base. … The Dodgers became the first team this season to pass the 3 million mark in home paid attendance. After drawing a paid crowd of 38,851 Wednesday, the team’s season total is 3,087,325. … Rookie fireballer Jose Dominguez, who has been sidelined since July 23 because of a strained left quadriceps, doesn’t appear to be close to returning. However, Dominguez recently underwent an MRI exam that showed he didn’t have any more damage than previously thought.

dylan.hernandez@latimes.com

Twitter: @dylanohernandez