Ramirez gets minor approval
(AP)
Manny Ramirez gives high-fives to teammates before playing for the Dodgers' Triple-A team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, on Tuesday night.
ALBUQUERQUE - Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramírez was welcomed back to baseball with rousing cheers.
In the minor leagues, anyway.
Ramírez, easing back into playing shape after a 50-game drug suspension, suited up for the Albuquerque Isotopes as they beat Nashville, 1-0, last night. Ramírez wore No. 99 for the Dodgers’ top farm club.
He played four innings and was hitless in two at-bats. The capacity crowd of 15,321 was the largest in Albuquerque’s baseball history.
Fans lined the walkway from the clubhouse as Ramírez entered the field. They gathered near the dugout, clustering for autographs, and they seemed ready to forgive Ramírez for violating baseball’s drug rules.
“People love me everywhere I go,’’ Ramirez said before the game. “I’m excited to bring a lot of joy to a lot of people here. I feel good. I’m happy that I’m here.’’
There were scattered boos before Ramírez batted leadoff but cheers began before he was introduced and grew louder when he approached the plate.
Some fans wore fake dreadlocks in a salute to Ramírez. Many cheered and called “Manny!’’ after he struck out swinging and when he grounded out in the third.
He played left field for the Dodgers’ Triple A affiliate. Isotopes manager Tim Wallach said Ramírez will play five innings today and seven tomorrow.
“It’s more to get him on the field, to get him some innings out in left field, physically get him moving around,’’ Wallach said. “The at-bats are important as well, just to see live pitching.’’
It wasn’t certain if Ramírez will see the series finale on Friday.
