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Ramirez returns to left field

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

PHILADEPHIA -- Manny Ramirez, who was unable to start the last two games in Cincinnati because of a tight right hamstring, is back in the lineup in left field tonight against the Phillies.

Manager Terry Francona said Ramirez approached him on the flight from Cincinnati and told him he was ready to play. That, to Francona, meant that Ramirez felt he could play an entire game and not have to leave in the middle because of hamstring issues.

Ramirez was in good spirits in the clubhouse this afternoon, where his teammates were intently watching the Tiger Woods-Rocco Mediate U.S. Open playoff round.

He was asked how he was doing.

"I'm alive!" said Ramirez with a great big smile. "I'm alive!"

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 4:55 PM | Permalink