The Astros activated veteran outfielder Michael Brantley from the 10-day injured list about 30 minutes before their game Saturday night against the Padres at Petco Park. He took the roster spot of right-hander Josh James, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with left hip discomfort.

Brantley had missed nine games in a row entering Saturday, having not played since going 0-for-4 in an Aug. 11 loss to the Giants. He had been bothered by a sore right quad since he stepped on the foot of Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly at first base on July 28. He was not in the starting lineup Saturday.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said earlier Saturday that Brantley ran the bases at Petco Park and responded well. Brantley has a .286/.375/.446 slash line in 15 games this season.

James began the season in the rotation and gave up seven runs in six innings in two starts before being moved to the bullpen, where he posted an 11.57 ERA and 2.36 WHIP in five outings.