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Manny's Not Ready Yet

Even though Manny Ramirez had taken batting practice two straight days, and even though he hit several balls either out of the park or off the wall, he is not yet ready to return to game action, said manager Terry Francona a few minutes ago during his daily press briefing.

Francona said that the Sox slugging left fielder, who has been out of the starting lineup since Aug. 29 because of a strained oblique, could be ready "maybe by the beginning of the week. That's somewhat realistic, but we just don't know."'

"He's doing a good job. He's making a lot of progress. He's working hard. He came in on his off day (Thursday). He hit balls so far, (people ask) 'Why is he not playing?' But he's not ready. It's not fair to put a (specific) day (on his return)," said Francona.

Francona then was asked if, while he can't play a full game, he'd be available to pinch hit in the series.

"You can tell (Yankee manager) Joe (Torre) yes. Tell him he's ready. I'd appreciate it," joked Francona. "But I don't know."

Ramirez stung the ball again in taking batting practice this afternoon with his group -- David Ortiz, Mike Lowell and Julio Lugo. He bashed one ball over the Sports Authority sign. It would be nice to have him in the Sox' lineup tonight because he's a .431 career hitter (31 for 72) with 4 homers and 19 RBI against Yankee starter Andy Pettitte.

-- Steven Krasner

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 4:33 PM | Permalink