Dodgers again lose Manny Ramirez to leg injury

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Wondered what it would be like next year for the Dodgers without Manny Ramirez?

You may not have to wonder any longer.

Manny left another game Friday with tightness in his right calf.

He had just come off the disabled list Thursday with a sore right hamstring. He also went on the disabled list in April with a right calf strain.

The Dodgers are giving him the old day-to-day prognosis for now, but it’s becoming increasingly clear the Dodgers may not be able to count on the 38-year-old outfielder even this season.

He started Friday’s game in St. Louis and drew a first-inning walk. He never advanced past first, though he did run hard to second when Casey Blake popped up for the final out.

When the Dodgers took the field in the bottom of the first, Xavier Paul was in Ramirez’s position in left field.

Ramirez is in the last year of his contract, and at his age, it is understood he will sign next season with an American League team as a designated hitter.

The Dodgers, however, were counting on him being a key, productive part of their team this season. And he has been when he’s played.

Ramirez is batting .317, with eight home runs and 39 RBI in 186 at-bats. Matt Kemp leads the team with 353 at-bats.

-- Steve Dilbeck