Dodgers News: Hanley Ramirez Not Happy With Being Pulled From Game

[new_royalslider id=”5″] As Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said recently, as Hanley Ramirez succeeds, so too do the Dodgers. Ramirez was a key component to last season’s turnaround and push into postseason play. When he went down in Game 1 of the NLCS with a fractured rib, the Dodgers offense wholly struggled for the remainder of the series.

This season, Ramirez has been unable to get going at the plate and he’s also been one of many liabilities in the Dodgers’ defense. In the final year of his contract, there’s been speculation that Ramirez’s troubles may be related to him pressing.

The 30-year-old shortstop appeared to turn the corner in a streak of six at-bats that spanned across two games, but then regressed with an 0-for-3 effort on Sunday. Ramirez collected one hit and scored in Monday’s win over the Chicago White Sox and was pulled in the eighth inning in favor of Erisbel Arruebarrena.

According to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports, Ramirez wasn’t pleased with being replaced by Arruebarrena, who is more of a defensive presence:

Hanley Ramirez wasn't happy to be removed for defensive replacement last night but said his relationship with Don Mattingly is "great."

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 3, 2014

While Ramirez wasn’t happy with the move, Mattingly may continue to use Arruebarrena for defensive purposes:

Reasons: Arruebarrena is an elite defender and Mattingly wants to use him if he's on the roster; and Hanley is coming off the calf injury.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 3, 2014

Ramirez missed four games with the calf soreness and at one point there was concern the injury may be more serious than simple soreness. Ramirez dismissed the notion and upon returning to the lineup, said his calf was 100 percent.

How long Mattingly will have the option of replacing Ramirez with Arruebarrena will likely depend on Juan Uribe and his recovery from a hamstring strain. Once the third baseman is ready to come off the disabled list, which may not be for a while, a roster move will need to be made. As a result, Arruebarrena may find himself back in the minors.
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