SOLO SHOT

The spring version Freeway Series might be nothing more than the Next Game on the Schedule these days, but the crowd at Dodger Stadium could get plenty riled up tonight.

Manny Ramirez is back. And he’ll play.

With opening day only four days away, Manager Joe Torre said he wanted to get his team reacquainted with its home ballpark, which is why Ramirez and the other starters are scheduled to play at least seven innings tonight against the Angels.

Ramirez, last seen in these parts when the Dodgers were eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies for the National League pennant in October, said he doesn’t mind the extra work. In fact, he welcomed it, claiming that he hasn’t found his rhythm at the plate even though he hit .476 in the Cactus League.

The more pressing concern is in the outfield, where he has played only four times this spring. After tumbling at the warning track three days ago while pursuing a ball, Ramirez said he still has to get used to seeing the ball come off the bats of opposing hitters.

“I need the at-bats and I need to go in the outfield,” he said.

Prolonged contract negotiations and a tight left hamstring limited him to 28 plate appearances in Arizona. But Ramirez says he isn’t too concerned, knowing that he can gradually get into peak form over the 162-game season -- something Boston Red Sox fans might roll their eyes at, but not the Dodgers.

“Little by little,” he said. “But mentally, I’m good. That’s what’s important, to be positive. First, you have to be good mentally.”

-- Dylan Hernandez