Ronald Belisario close to retuning, Manny Ramirez back in lineup

Ronald Belisario could be activated during the Dodgers’ three-game series in Cincinnati, perhaps as early as Wednesday, Manager Joe Torre said.

Belisario, who reported to camp five weeks late because of visa problems, has been working out at the Dodgers’ spring training complex in Arizona.

Torre said Belisario is closer to returning than left-hander Hong-Chih Kuo, who is on the disabled list.

Kuo pitched in his second game of his minor-league rehabilitation assignment on Sunday and threw a bullpen session Tuesday. Torre said he will not be activated before Thursday.

In other news, Manny Ramirez is back in the Dodgers’ lineup after missing two games with a tight right calf.

Here’s the Dodgers’ lineup:

Rafael Furcal SS

Matt Kemp CF

Andre Ethier RF

Manny Ramirez LF

James Loney 1B

Casey Blake 3B

Blake DeWitt 2B

Russell Martin C

Chad Billingsley SP

-- Dylan Hernandez in Cincinnati

Comments

[paul]

It's a shame the Dodgers are going to waste one of the better offenses they've had in a long time because of the organization's complete lack of commitment to put quality pitchers on the mound.

[Wilbur Post]

I've heard of tuning musical instruments and cars, but relief pitchers? How does that work?!?!?!?