If there was ever a time that the Chicago Cubs needed good news about third baseman Aramis Ramirez, that time is now.
Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez, on the disabled list with a dislocated left shoulder, stepped up his hitting and began taking soft toss on Wednesday, and if all goes well, will start batting practice by Monday.
Ramirez, who was injured diving for a ball May 8, was running the bases and taking grounders at third before the Cubs faced the White Sox on Wednesday in an Interleague game.
“Between now and this next road trip [which starts Monday], he’ll start taking batting practice,” Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. cubs.com.
Based on his progress, Ramirez is now hoping that he can return before the All-Star break. Recall, the expected scenario had Ramirez returning in mid-July.