" Rafael Furcal could be back in the lineup when the Dodgers open a crucial three-game series against the San Francisco Giants on Friday.

Furcal is scheduled to go on a two-game minor league rehabilitation assignment with the Dodgers' triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque, which will start Wednesday.

Sidelined since Aug. 3 with a lower back strain, the shortstop spent last week rehabilitating at the Dodgers' spring-training complex in Arizona. He has worked out at Dodger Stadium over the last couple of days and reported feeling better.

"Everything feels good," Furcal said. "Totally better than before. Right now, I feel good."

Utility player Jamey Carroll has started at shortstop in Furcal's absence."