Phillies activate catcher Carlos Ruiz

Catcher Carlos Ruiz, who was originally supposed to spend two days in Reading on rehab assignments, has instead been activated today from the disabled list by the Phillies.

To make room for him catcher Steven Lerud has been optioned to Lehigh Valley.

Ruiz, on the disabled list since May 21 with a right hamstring strain, played two minor league games for Lehigh Valley over the weekend. He was expected to go to Reading and play there Tuesday and Wednesday but had said prior to Monday's game with Washington that he was feeling better and confident when running.

The Phillies said they would determine after he worked out whether to send him out or not.

With Erik Erik Kratz out with a left knee injury, the Phillies have been depleted at catcher.

The Phillies also said on Monday that Chase Utley (oblique) was expected to go out on a rehab assignment in 24 to 48 hours but so far there has been no update.

Ruiz is in the lineup tonight for the Phillies against the Washington Nationals. Charlie Manuel says he is batting Ruiz eighth to ease him into things.

Manuel said he wasn't worried about having Ruiz play in soggy conditions.

Here is the Phillies lineup.

1. Ben Revere CF

2. Michael Young 3B

3. Jimmy Rollins SS

4. Ryan Howard 1B

5. Domonic Brown LF

6. Delmon Young RF

7.Kevin Frandsen 2B

8. Carlos Ruiz C

9. Cliff Lee P