PITTSBURGH — Outfielder Manny Ramirez was out of the Dodgers’ lineup Monday because of a sore left hamstring, the same problem that forced third baseman Casey Blake to return early to Los Angeles to be treated by a team doctor.
The Dodgers, with their magic number for clinching the NL West stalled at one after their 11-1 loss in Pittsburgh, also were without infielder Ronnie Belliard, who is expected to miss a two-game series in San Diego that begins today because of a groin injury.
“Manny felt something the other day similar to where Casey has a little bit of a hammy. It happened Saturday but it doesn’t seem too serious,” manager Joe Torre said Monday. “. . . He came in (Monday) still a little sore.”
Blake sat out his sixth consecutive game with what was supposed to be a minor injury but one that keeps lingering. He flew back to Los Angeles to consult with team physician Neal ElAttrache and undergo treatment after the problem persisted while he was running before Sunday’s game.
Footnotes.
Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett was scratched from Monday night’s scheduled start because of back spasms, while left-hander Jon Lester (quadriceps) played long toss without any setbacks and said he expects to make Thursday’s start.
• Marlins right-hander Josh Johnson is set to start tonight against the Braves after being scratched from his last appearance because of the flu.
The Associated Press
