Dodgers activate Howie Kendrick from disabled list

Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick is congratulated by first base coach Davey Lopes after hitting a two-run single against the Athletics on July 29.

Columnist

Sept. 18, 2015 4:02 PM PT

Second baseman Howie Kendrick returned to the Dodgers’ active roster Friday, in time for the start of a three-game home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kendrick spent more than five weeks on the disabled list because of a strained left hamstring.

Kendrick has played in 105 games for the Dodgers this season and has batted .296 with nine home runs and 49 runs batted in. Before landing on the disabled list, he was on a five-game hitting streak.

Kendrick’s injury prompted the Dodgers to acquire Chase Utley from the Philadelphia Phillies last month.

In Kendrick’s absence, Utley has started the majority of games at second base. Utley, 36, has batted .224 in 21 games with the Dodgers.

The Dodgers now have 36 players on their active roster.