Ramirez to debut as Dodgers’ designated hitter

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PHOENIX -- The Dodgers’ Manny Ramirez will make his Cactus League spring training debut today as the designated hitter in an exhibition game against the South Korean team that’s competing in the World Baseball Classic.

Dodgers Manager Joe Torre had said he might start Ramirez in that spot, instead of having him also play defense in left field, so that the slugger could have more at-bats in today’s game at Camelback Ranch. Left-hander Randy Wolf is the Dodgers’ scheduled starting pitcher.

And catching Wolf will be Russell Martin, who also is making his Cactus League debut with the Dodgers today after playing with the now-eliminated Canadian team in the World Baseball Classic.

Ramirez, who joined the Dodgers after mid-season last year and then hit nearly .400 in 53 games that helped the team win the National League West title, recently signed a two-year, $45-million contract extension with the club.

-- Jim Peltz