ESPN.com reports that Manny Ramirez will start tomorrow for the Dodgers:
Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez was out of the lineup for the fourth consecutive game on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies, adding more fuel to speculation about his future with the club. But manager Joe Torre said he does plan for Ramirez to start on Monday night against the Philadelphia Phillies.
“He is tentatively scheduled to start tomorrow,” Torre said. “That is my thinking at this point in time.”
Torre’s rationale for sitting Ramirez Saturday — not wanting the aging hitter to have to cover the vast left-field acreage at Coors Field — carried over to Sunday.
“It’s still a big outfield,” Torre said.
Manny did get into Sunday’s game against the Rockies with not-so-happy results:
He was ejected after arguing a called first strike with the bases loaded and out out with the Dodgers trailing 8-2. Reed Johnson then pinch-hit for Ramirez, and he grounded into an inning-ending double play.
Plate umpire Gary Cederstrom called strike one and Ramirez began arguing. Ramirez was quickly tossed and walked slowly back to the dugout while continuing to jaw with Cederstrom. The umpire turned away from Ramirez.
It was the first ejection this season for Ramirez.
If Manny does get traded to the White Sox, the last five weeks of this season would at the very least be entertaining on the South Side.