Brandon Phillips activated, rejoins Cincinnati Reds lineup

The Cincinnati Reds have activated Brandon Phillips, who rejoins the lineup Monday for the first time since July 9. Phillips tore a tendon in his left thumb in July while diving for a ball, which required surgery.

The Cincinnati Redshave activated second baseman Brandon Phillips, who rejoins the lineup Monday for the first time since July 9. 

Phillips tore a tendon in his left thumb in July while diving for a ball, which required surgery. He was cleared to swing a bat on Aug. 8 and began a rehab assignment a week later. 

The 33-year-old played three rehab games before being activated. 

More: Key injuries are shaking up the Rookie of the Year races

The Reds also announced that they activated pitcher Logan Ondrusek off the DL and sent down catcher Tucker Barnhart and pitcher Dylan Axelrod to Triple-A.

Before he went on the disabled list, Phillips was hitting .272 with seven home runs and 40 RBI in 86 games. He is a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove Award winner. 

Cincinnati is 61-63 and sits in fourth place in the NL Central, 8.5 games behind the division-leading Brewers. 

- Molly Geary