ARLINGTON, Texas — Angels slugger Vladimir Guerrero took batting practice on the field Friday for the first time since going on the disabled list because of a torn muscle in his chest.
Manager Mike Scioscia said Guerrero, out since April 16, took 25-to-35 swings during that 15-minute session and took some more swings in the indoor batting cage.
“Vlad had a great workout. He did some running and swung the bat. He turned it loose and was killing the ball,” Scioscia said. “It was a good first step. We want to still build up a little endurance, make sure his trunk is OK. So it’s going to take a little bit of time.”
Ramirez apologizes to team
MIAMI — An “anxious” Manny Ramirez apologized to his Dodgers teammates, the first time he was around the club since being suspended for 50 games for using a banned substance.
Ramirez used the words “I’m sorry,” said Dodgers manager Joe Torre, although many players said the apology wasn’t necessary.
“It was uncomfortable. I’ll give you that,” Torre said. “We spent some time together before we went into the meeting room, and he was a little anxious.”
Ramirez was suspended May 7. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt met with him last weekend in Los Angeles and encouraged Ramirez to apologize to teammates “eyeball to eyeball.”
Footnotes.
Cardinals right-hander Chris Carpenter (rib cage) felt fine after throwing an extended bullpen session and could return to the rotation soon.
• Slugger David Ortiz, who is batting .208 and hasn’t homered in 144 at-bats, was benched by the Red Sox.
• The Mariners removed Brandon Morrow from the closer role.
The Associated Press
