Dodgers place Manny Ramirez on disabled list, option Ramon Troncoso to Albuquerque

Life without Manny Ramirez, Part II … in a continuing series?

The Dodgers gave in and placed Manny and his sore hamstring on the disabled list prior to Saturday’s game.

With the All-Star break looming, he’ll only have to miss nine more games. And since he doesn’t normally play in day games, he’ll likely miss only  seven.

Manager Joe Torre to reporters in Phoenix: "In talking to the doctors, there seemed a remote chance he'd be ready by Tuesday or Wednesday, [but] there's no reason to gamble with this. He's eligible for the first day after the break. He might go on rehab somewhere during the break."

Ramirez previously went on the 15-day disabled list April 23 with a sore calf. During his absence, the Dodgers went 6-8.

That time, as they did Saturday, they called up outfielder Xavier Paul from triple-A Albuquerque. Paul was in the lineup in left Saturday, batting sixth. He’s hit .281 in 57 at-bats with the Dodgers.

Ramirez,  however, was not the only move made by the Dodgers Saturday, and not the most surprising.

The Dodgers also optioned right-hander Ramon Troncoso to Albuquerque and called back up Travis Schlichting.

The surprising part of the Troncoso move was simply its timing. He’s been something of a mess for two months now (6.46 ERA) and has been death with inherited runners.

Friday against the Diamondbacks, however, he threw two shut-out innings without allowing a hit or walk.

Torre to reporters: "We all know that he's capable of pitching well. We just want him to work on his mechanics where his release point is consistent."

George Sherrill is also a mess, of course, and Justin Miller isn’t exactly wowing anyone. They, unlike Troncoso, are out of options.

Troncoso figures to be back shortly, after getting a tad of rest and, hopefully, performing well at Albuquerque.

This is Schlichting's second stint with the Dodgers. He is unscored upon in 7 2/3 innings.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: Manny Ramirez. Credit: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

Comments

[Mike Dudnikov]

For two weeks or so I have been suggesting this in several forums. That is, to send Troncoso down to work on his mechanics and call Schlichting back up. You mean the Dodgers actually pay attention to such suggestions and analyses?

[Steve Dilbeck]

Mike Dudikov: They only listen your suggestions.

[Mike Dudnikov]

Thanks Steve. In that case I will suggest to upper management that they replace Vladimir Shpunt with myself. I have the Russian name for the job, and am perfectly capable of sending positive vibes the Dodgers way. Hey I've been doing it for decades for free, so of course I will be glad to do it for Shpunt's modest 6 figure salary, and what the heck I'll throw in my roster suggestions and judgement about on field moves, no extra charge.

[Steve Dilbeck]

Mike Dudnikov: They must have been feeling your positive energy tonight.

[B. Evans]

Mike Dudikov: Only listen suggestions.

[west coast ram]

Does Martin have any more minor league options?????? Just kidding. What I'm not kidding about is my disbelief that so called "experts" think Martin is a good defensive catcher. Most of the wild pitches recorded by the Dodger staff were balls that a major league catcher should/would block but Martin continually tries to reach for ball on his backhand and they inevitably get by him.