The Chicago Cubs have been without third baseman Aramis Ramirez – who was actually starting to sort of hit like Aramis Ramirez – for the last few days. Ramirez hurt his rib cage on a dive earlier in the week. He was expected back yesterday, but that didn’t happen.
Ramirez said on Thursday that he expected to be back in the lineup on Friday, but manager Lou Piniella decided to give him more time.
“He is going to take batting practice today. And if he is OK, we look forward to getting him in the lineup tomorrow,” Piniella said. “We’ll see.” cubs.com.
If Ramirez misses the game today, the Cubs might once again put Blake DeWitt at third and let Darwin Barney get another start at second. Jeff Baker has had some minor injury issues, himself.