CINCINNATI -- Left fielder Marlon Byrd was activated from the disabled list by the Cincinnati Reds before their series opener against the Miami Marlins on Friday night, completing a faster-than-expected comeback from a broken wrist.
Byrd's right wrist broke when he was hit by a pitch on June 2. He played in two minor league games this week without problem during an injury rehabilitation assignment, so the Reds decided to bring him back.
"I didn't have any pain," Byrd said. "Stiffness, soreness, but no pain."
Byrd is batting .212 with 10 homers and 25 RBI. His hitting had improved in May, when he had eight homers and 17 RBI.
Manager Bryan Price said there were no restrictions on Byrd, who was able to keep in shape during the few weeks that the wrist needed to heal. Byrd wore a removable brace rather than a cast.
"His endurance is good," Price said. "I don't any reason why he can't just pick up where he left off. We'll monitor him and see how he feels."
Doctors initially thought Byrd would be out for at least four weeks, but the fractures healed quickly.
"I was just working hard and hoped for the best," Byrd said. "I'm just an All-American healer."
Cincinnati optioned right-hander Donovan Hand to Triple-A Louisville on Friday to open a roster spot. Hand threw three scoreless innings in relief during an 8-4, 13-inning win over the Tigers on Wednesday.
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