Manny Ramirez has once again hit the 15-day DL, this time with a strained right calf. The move is retroactive to last Saturday. He's expected to be gone for three weeks.
It's no secret Manny hasn't had nearly the season Dodger fans have hoped for. When he has played, he's done pretty well. In 61 games (the Dodgers have played 92), he's hit .317 with eight home runs and 39 RBIs. A good average, but not nearly the power numbers they were expecting.
He's 38-years-old, so the Dodgers have to be cautious with him. They're still thinking long haul, and hopefully he'll be good to go in the final couple of months. Then there's the playoffs, which they can only hope will happen. It's a lot of hoping, but that's the reality of the situation.
In his place will be the return of Brad Ausmus. He's played in only one game this year, then went on the 60-day DL for back surgery. It wasn't a given at the time, but he's worked very hard to get back to the active roster. It's good to see that hard work pay off.
Not only does he bring veteran leadership to a team that has floundered lately, but he hit .295 last year. A.J. Ellis has filled in since April, and is hitting .204 with eight RBIs. Nothing against Ellis, but Ausmus is a clear upgrade.
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