Benny Sieu-USA Today Sports
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez is expected to return to the starting lineup on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals. It is certainly a long time coming, as the Brewers are excited to get their cleanup hitter back in the lineup.
Ramirez has not played since he suffered a left knee sprain on April 5 while stretching a single into a double against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has decided to forgo a rehab assignment in Triple-A, and will instead to suit up right away. Typically, when a player misses nearly a month during the regular season it is wise for them to get some at-bats in the minors. However, the 34-year-old feels that he well be able to produce once he starts playing every day again in the big leagues.
“I think management would always like a guy to go rehab, but a player has a right not to rehab,” manager Ron Roenicke said, according to Brewers.com. “So you work with whatever player it is, you explain things to him, and they have the decision.”
Even though Ramirez has voiced his opinion on not playing a couple games in Triple-A, it has to be a concern for the Brewers since he has yet to truly test his knee. It is true Ramirez ran the bases the last few days, but there is no way that is close to a game situation. With that being said, if the veteran feels that he can handle the immediate playing time then there is nothing the Brewers can do about it.
Ramirez was batting .385 (5-for-13) with two RBI, three doubles and two walks before the injury.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
