Reds anticipate Monday return for Ludwick

CINCINNATI -- All signs are pointing to Reds left fielder Ryan Ludwick being activated from the disabled list on Monday, when the Reds open a road trip at Chicago against the Cubs.

Ludwick has been out since he separated his right shoulder on Opening Day and needed surgery to repair a torn labrum. On a rehab assignment, Ludwick was in the lineup for Triple-A Louisville on Friday. In his previous 11 games, he was 4-for-36 with one homer.

"We've got a plan. He probably won't be here this weekend, but he will be here soon," Reds manager Dusty Baker said.

Baker was asked if he might ease Ludwick back into the lineup.

"We'll find what kind of timing he has, how his legs feel," Baker said. "We need some clutch hitting and RBIs in the middle part of the order. He's one of the best we have. I'm hoping, sooner rather than later, he will have it together."