ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Reggie Sanders, struggling through the worst season of his career, tonight was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Atlanta Braves.

The slumping outfielder went on the DL on July 28 after suffering a strained left hamstring. To make room for Sanders on the roster, the Braves optioned outfielder George Lombard to Class AAA Richmond of the International League.

Sanders, 32, came to Atlanta with second baseman Quilvio Veras and first baseman Wally Joyner in a deal that sent first baseman Ryan Klesko and second baseman Bret Boone to San Diego in December.

The 6-1, 185-pound Sanders had 26 homers, 72 RBI and a .285 batting average with the Padres last season. But he is hitting a paltry .193 with five homers and 18 RBI in 69 games this year.

The injury-prone Sanders has been on the disabled list twice this season. The first time came May 6 after suffering a sprained left ankle.

Lombard hit .095 (2-for-21) in 11 games since being recalled to fill in for Sanders. He struck out five times.