Ryan Ludwick has rejoined the Cincinnati Reds after missing four months because of torn cartilage in his right shoulder.

Ludwick will be activated off the disabled list on Monday before the start of a three-game series in Chicago against the Cubs.

He went 6-for-44 on a minor league stint that ends on Sunday.

"It's been a lot tougher than I thought it would be," Ludwick said. "Mainly, it's been the speed of the game. Normally, I hit for 2½ months (in the offseason) and then have spring training and everybody's starting off even.

"My shoulder's fine, but my swing is long. I made a diving catch the other day. I wasn't supposed to do that, but instinct took over. It's just the timing of the game has been a lot harder than I thought."