Dodgers News: Mattingly Considered Removing Ramirez Before Error

While Kershaw put together a remarkable performance, with 15 strikeouts and no walks, becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to do so as part of a no-hitter, one play hangs over the game. Kershaw took a perfect game into the seventh inning when Colorado Rockies left fielder Corey Dickerson reached on an error.

Dickerson hit a slow chopper to Hanley Ramirez that the Dodger shortstop charged, fielded cleanly, but threw wide of first base, which allowed Dickerson to reach on a error. Kershaw appeared unaffected by Ramirez’s 10th error of the season as he remained locked in to complete the no-hitter.

The Dodger defense has been a source of frustration this season, but had improved in recent weeks. Following the win, Kershaw supported his shortstop’s effort and Ramirez offered no excuses for the error.

With the Dodgers holding a comfortable lead, some questioned why Ramirez, considered to be somewhat of a defensive liability was still in the game. According to Everett Cook of the LA Times, Mattingly considered making a change before the costly error, but decided to wait:

We considered it, but at that point you’re still … you’re in a game you feel good about, but anything can still happen at that point,” Mattingly said. “So we were going to wait another inning … I thought he made a nice play on that ball, honestly.

Mattingly also added he believed Ramirez was moving well Wednesday:

He made a nice play earlier coming in on a ball by (Drew) Stubbs, and we barely get Stubbs. I thought Hanley moved good tonight. That was a tough play. I haven’t seen the replay but it looked like the throw wasn’t too far off.”

Along with his issues on defense, Ramirez has also battled multiple injuries this season. He was hit by a pitch on his left hand in April, suffered a bruised right thumb also in April, calf soreness in May and his latest injury coming after he was struck on the right hand by a line drive.

To his credit, Ramirez hasn’t missed much time, which is key for him as he’s in the final year of his contract. The 30-year-old has swung the bat better in recent games and will need to both remain healthy and consistent at the plate if he hopes to land a new deal worth more than $130 million.
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