« Dice-K Rehab Outing in Lehigh Valley
Main
Francona Unhappy With Papelbon »
June 13, 2008
Manny Ramirez still has a tight right hamstring, but if Friday night's game is played here in Cincinnati, he will be back in left field because the designated hitter is not used in National League parks.
Ramirez has been able to stay in the lineup as the Sox' designated hitter because David Ortiz (left wrist) is on the disabled list. Ramirez had started the last 10 games at DH. He batted .389 with five homers and 13 RBI.
Manager Terry Francona said that Ramirez sat down with him and bench coach Brad Mills and talked about his health, something Francona said Ramirez likely wouldn't have felt comfortable doing a couple of years ago.
"He came in and talked about it and I didn't want to talk him into playing a game he's not supposed to," said Francona. "He's got a hammy that hurts. That doesn't make him a bad person. But how do we get around it because he's such a good hitter."
The plan heading into this series is to play Ramirez Friday night, sit him out Saturday and then, if he's feeling okay, have him back in left field for Sunday's game.
-- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner 
at 4:51 PM | Permalink
