Dodgers’ Manny Ramirez and Russell Martin sidelined but not headed for DL
Manny Ramirez and Russell Martin don’t appear headed for the disabled list, Manager Joe Torre said.
“I don’t think that’s a consideration,” Torre said.
Ramirez was pulled in the first inning on Friday because of tightness in his right calf. Martin was taken out late in the eighth inning of the same game because of a swollen thumb on his catching hand.
Of Ramirez, Torre said, “He feels better than yesterday.”
Before Saturday’s game, Torre said Ramirez might be available to pinch-hit, but Ramirez did not make an appearance in the loss to the Cardinals. Torre said he didn’t expect the outfielder to rejoin the lineup until Monday at the earliest.
Rookie Xavier Paul started in Ramirez’s place.
The part of the calf that is bothering Ramirez is different from the section he strained in April, which resulted in the first of his two stints on the disabled list.
Martin is also due for at least two days of rest. He didn’t take batting practice on Saturday.
“He’s not feeling good today,” Torre said.
Though A.J. Ellis caught on Saturday and is scheduled to do so again on Sunday, Torre said that Martin should be available to pinch-hit. Martin is expected to be back in the lineup on Monday.
Sherrill still in limbo
George Sherrill has cleared outright waivers but remains uncertain about his future.
“Bloggers know more than I do,” he said jokingly.
Sherrill, a former All-Star reliever who has a 7.17 earned-run average, said he will let his agent decide his future.
“I don’t have to think about it,” he said.
If the Dodgers outright Sherrill, the reliever can accept the minor league assignment, decline it or declare free agency. The last of those scenarios is unlikely because it would result in Sherrill forfeiting the remainder of his $4.5-million salary.
If Sherrill declines a minor league assignment, the Dodgers would have to release him to get him off their roster.
Sherrill is hesitant about pitching in the minors but said, “If they think it’s the best thing for me, I would.”
Billingsley backed by Torre
Reporting from St. Louis — Told that Chad Billingsley said he thought he threw the ball “pretty well” after taking a pounding on Friday night, Torre said he didn’t think the situation was similar to what happened in Cincinnati in April. Billingsley made similar comments after taking a beating from the Reds, which led Torre and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt to tell him in a meeting that he had to be more honest with himself.
“You mean, where his head is?” Torre asked. “I hope not. To me, he’s come so far as far as his ability to compete.”
Schedule change
On their next trip, the Dodgers will be featured on ESPN’s Sunday night telecast for the fourth time this season. That means that the Dodgers’ game in San Francisco on Aug. 1 will start at 5:15 p.m. instead of the previously scheduled 1 p.m.
Short hops
Backup catcher Brad Ausmus, who is on a minor league rehabilitation assignment with triple-A Albuquerque, is scheduled to catch nine innings on Sunday. He will rejoin the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Monday but isn’t expected to be activated during the next week.… Jon Link will be sent down when the Dodgers call up their starter for their game on Monday, Torre said. The Dodgers are expected to promote James McDonald from Albuquerque.
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