Ramirez again attempts Cactus League debut for Dodgers

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

PHOENIX - The Dodgers’ Manny Ramirez, his sore leg feeling better, was back on the lineup card as the designated hitter in today’s game against the Texas Rangers at the Dodgers’ Camelback Ranch complex.

Ramirez, who recently signed a new two-year, $45-million contract with the Dodgers, had planned to make his spring-training debut Thursday. But the slugger was scratched after developing tightness in his left hamstring during pregame running drills.

‘I talked to him this morning, he seems fine and the trainers checked him out,’ Dodgers Manager Joe Torre said today, adding that the left fielder likely would stay in the designated hitter role for a day or two before playing in the outfield.

Chad Billingsley was the scheduled starting pitcher for the Dodgers today, while Doug Mathis was set to start for Texas.

--Jim Peltz