Dodgers News: Hanley Ramirez Taking Batting Practice, Ground Balls

Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez has been more confident about his return than manager Don Mattingly as the next step was for him to take batting practice and make throws across the diamond.

Getting in late from the trip in St. Louis wiped out batting practice on Friday and an early start yesterday didn’t allow for it, so Ramirez made his return to the field this afternoon.

Ramirez took BP with the team and fielded ground balls according to Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com:

Hanley Ramirez is taking grounders at shortstop and throwing to first base rather effortlessly considering a jammed right shoulder.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 11, 2013

Judging from batting practice bombs, Hanley Ramirez will be starting sooner than later.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 11, 2013

The Dodgers haven’t missed a beat without Ramirez as they won three of four against the Cardinals and have won the first two games against the Rays.

Mattingly hasn’t been too good with injury predictions, but has maintained the entire time that Hanley wouldn’t be placed on the disabled list.

After the series with the Rays,the next three series for the Dodgers will be against teams with a below .500 record as it sounds like Hanley’s return is imminent.

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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