Kendrick records game's first hit, run in return to lineup

HOUSTON -- Howie Kendrick returned to the Angels' lineup Friday against the Astros and went 2-for-5, recording a hit in his first at-bat and scoring the game's first run. The second baseman was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday after missing 33 games with a hyperextended left knee. He last played on Aug. 5 against Texas before Friday night's 9-7 loss.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said before the game he planned to ease Kendrick back into action, and he lifted the second baseman in the bottom of the eighth, putting Grant Green in the field.

"Sometimes guys are out for a while, they come back and look like they never missed a beat," Scioscia said. "Sometimes guys need time. I'm sure there are going to be some rough patches that I'll have to smooth out, but he's ready to go. He feels good."

At the time of his injury, Kendrick's 126 hits ranked second among Major League second basemen.