Hanley returns to action after treating elbow strain

CHICAGO -- After missing the last two games in Colorado with a strained right elbow, Hanley Ramirez passed the medical tests and returned to the Dodgers' lineup for the Thursday night opener of the four-game series with the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

"That thing just popped up," manager Don Mattingly said of Ramirez's latest injury. "But I talked to Stan [Conte, VP medical services], and he said he was good to go."

Ramirez has been in and out of the lineup all year with assorted injuries to his shoulder, left leg, oblique, wrist, calf, hand, finger and thumb. Only the oblique issue put Ramirez on the disabled list.

Ramirez is in the final season of his contract and will be a free agent after the season.