Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez has been on the disabled list for a week, in part due to terrible play, but also in part due to a bone bruise in his left thumb. At least the latter problem is getting a little better.
Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez took batting practice on Tuesday, the first time he’s tested his sore left thumb since going on the disabled list June 8.
Hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo reported to Cubs manager Lou Piniella that Ramirez swung the bat OK and his thumb didn’t bother him much.
“He’ll continue to work for a week or so and then be eligible to come off the disabled list,” Piniella said.
It’s unclear whether Ramirez will need a Minor League rehab assignment. Piniella said the third baseman could go to Class A Peoria, which is nearby, but also could simply be activated when the time comes. cubs.com.
Hopefully the time off will have been beneficial to Ramirez. He’s been reluctant to work with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo this year, but perhaps while recovering from an injury, his perspective on the utility of having professional hitting coaches took a turn for the better.