CINCINNATI -- Reds utility infielder Miguel Cairo, who has been on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring, left for Class A Dayton to start a rehabilitation assignment. Cairo will play Thursday night, Friday and Saturday.

"If everything goes right, I will meet the team in Milwaukee," said Cairo, who turns 38 on Friday.

Cincinnati begins a three-game series vs. the Brewers on Monday at Miller Park. Cairo is expected to get four at-bats per game to test his leg.

"The big thing is playing defense and reacting to balls and running the bases when you get a hit," said Cairo, who went on the 15-day DL on April 17.