Dodgers activate Mark Ellis from the disabled list

ATLANTA -- Second baseman Mark Ellis was activated from the disabled list on Sunday before the Dodgers’ series finale against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.

Ellis was sidelined for three weeks with a strained quadriceps muscle.

To clear a roster spot for Ellis, the Dodgers could have parted ways with infielder Luis Cruz or catcher Ramon Hernandez, who are batting .096 and .045, respectively. Cruz is recovering from a sore elbow, according to Manager Don Mattingly.

Instead, they optioned catcher Tim Federowicz to triple-A Albuquerque.

The Dodgers have four position players on their active roster batting under .200: Cruz, Hernandez, Dee Gordon (.196) and Skip Schumaker (.197). Cruz is battling elbow inflammation, according to Mattingly.

The Dodgers are expected to make another roster move in the next couple of days, as they are planning to activate Ted Lilly from the disabled list. Lilly figures to take the place of either Sunday starter Matt Magill or long reliever Javy Guerra.

Ellis was on a rehabilitation assignment with double-A Chattanooga on Friday and Saturday.

“I’m ready,” he said.