Dodgers activate Mark Ellis off DL

The Dodgers second baseman returns to the team after sitting out with a strained right quad.

By Connor Moylan May 19, 2013, 2:37pm EDT

The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Mark Ellis off the 15-day disabled list on Sunday, Los Angeles Times beat writer Dylan Hernandez reported first. The team optioned Tim Federowicz to Triple-A Albuquerque to open a roster spot for Ellis.

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Ellis injured his right quadriceps muscle on April 26 against the Milwaukee Brewers. The team placed Ellis on the disabled list following an MRI, and the second baseman has been out since.

The Dodgers wasted no time returning Ellis into the lineup; Eliis will bat second and play second base against the Atlanta Braves Sunday. Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker had been splitting time at second in Ellis absence.

Los Angeles hopes that Ellis can provide a spark to the lineup, as Ellis started the season strong offensively, hitting .342/.363/.452 in his first 80 plate appearances this season. Ellis has posted a .383 BABIP heading into Sunday's game, which is fueling most of his success at the plate. The second baseman has a career BABIP of .293, so he is unlikely to continue his high level of offensive production.

Federowicz started three games at catcher during his brief stay with the Dodgers. The 25-year-old struggled offensively, hitting .176/.222/.176 in 18 plate appearances.