Dodgers News: Hanley Ramirez, Don Mattingly Provide Injury Update

After a 7-1 road trip that saw the Dodgers sweep the Cubs and take three of four from one of the National League’s best, there is still good news coming to the Dodgers.

Hanley Ramirez missed the entire Cardinals series with a shoulder injury, but the Dodgers offense surprisingly didn’t miss a beat against the high-powered Cardinals.

While he wasn’t in the lineup today, Hanley told Bill Shaikin of the LA Times that he’s very close to returning:

Hanley Ramirez said he is going to take BP today. Could he play tomorrow? “Maybe,” he said. #Dodgers

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) August 9, 2013

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Ramirez could pinch hit against the Rays, but it sounds like if things go well during BP today, he could start this weekend.

Before he went on the DL, Ramirez was arguably the hottest hitter in baseball as his return to the lineup in early June is a big reason why the Dodgers are in first place.

However, while Hanley sounds optimistic about a weekend return, Don Mattingly said not to get ahead of ourselves:

Mattingly on Ramirez’ hope of playing tomorrow: “Hanley is pretty optimistic, but he hasn’t thrown yet.” A few days, but could PH sooner.

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) August 9, 2013

After their series with the Rays, the Dodgers schedule gets a little easier as it’d be great to get Hanley back so he doesn’t lose the timing he had since his activation.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out the latest on Matt Kemp’s ankle injury.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg0AP5LACzc