HOUSTON, July 17 (UPI) -- The Houston Astros have activated veteran second baseman Jeff Kent from the 15-day disabled list.
To make roster room, they have optioned infielder David Matranga to Triple-A New Orleans of the Pacific Coast League.
Kent was placed on the DL, retroactive to June 19, because of tendinitis in his left wrist. He made three rehabilitation appearances at Double-A Round Rock, going 3-for-10 with a home run and six RBI.
"It just so happens that I live in Austin, and Round Rock is a great facility," Kent told the Houston Chronicle. "Things just kind of played out like a storybook here."
The former National League MVP is hitting .313 with 11 home runs and a team-best 50 RBI. He signed a two-year contract last December after six productive years in San Francisco.
Houston (50-44) is in first place in the NL Central, one game ahead of St. Louis. It opens the second half Thursday at Cincinnati.
