The Official Site of Hanley Ramirez

Wed, Apr 29th 2009, 14:18

Hanley Ramirez (sore right hand) not in lineup for Marlins

Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez was encouraged when he awoke Tuesday and could squeeze his right hand, something he could not do late Monday. But he was not in the lineup Tuesday for the first time this season. “It’s still swollen, it still hurts,” Ramirez said of his hand, which was hit by a John Maine fastball Monday in the series opener against the New York Mets. “I want to make sure it’s 100 percent. I don’t want to go out there and miss two more games.” Neither Ramirez nor the Marlins ruled out the possibility that he could play in the series finale at 1:10 p.m. Wednesday. But manager Fredi Gonzalez said, “Worst-case scenario we get him back for the Chicago series.” The Marlins start a four-game series at the Cubs on Thursday. Ramirez said he was not looking forward to sitting. “It sucks,” he said. “You get bored. You don’t know what to do. You have to be a cheerleader.” Ramirez was immediately removed after being hit in the first inning Monday. X-rays taken during the game were negative and Ramirez had the hand wrapped during and after the game. He had treatment Tuesday and did not swing or throw. Alfredo Amezaga replaced Ramirez at shortstop and hit eighth Tuesday. Amezaga also has started in center field and right field this season. He started 11 games at shortstop last season. Continue reading….