A long way from Mannywood, from the bright lights of Los Angeles, from the $25 souvenir wigs, Manny Ramirez’s star-crossed tenure with the Dodgers ended Sunday.
The slugger’s ejection on the first pitch of his bases-loaded at-bat in the sixth inning at Coors Field was his final act. The Dodgers will trade Ram- irez or simply assign the $4 million remaining on his contract to the Chicago White Sox, who were awarded a waiver claim on the outfielder last week.
Ramirez’s ending came with accompanying drama.
With the Dodgers trailing 10-2, Ramirez pinch hit against Rockies rookie reliever Matt Reynolds, who had just walked catcher Brad Ausmus. Reynolds fired a fastball on the outer half. He admitted later that it probably wasn’t a strike. Ramirez certainly didn’t think so. He turned to plate umpire Gary Cederstrom and said, “That’s a ball. That’s a ball.”
Seconds later, Ramirez was tossed. That left Reynolds to face Reed Johnson, who grounded into a double play to end the Dodgers’ threat.
“You try not to think about who’s up there and the difference between the two,” said Reynolds, who has pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings to begin his major-league career.
Multiple Rockies players said Cederstrom’s quick trigger likely was the result of some Dodgers chirping from their dugout before Ramirez’s at-bat.
Barmes update.
With Troy Tulowitzki nursing a sore right groin, Clint Barmes will rejoin the Rockies tonight in San Francisco after spending the weekend with his father, who is battling cancer. Barmes was placed on the bereavement list. A corresponding roster move will be required to activate Barmes.
The Rockies could option Jonathan Herrera or move out a reliever in the bullpen, then recall that player after the Triple-A season ends next Sunday.
Stewart update.
Ian Stewart (right side/ribs) did not play Sunday and might not start again until Wednesday with the Rockies facing left-handers Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner in the first two games in San Francisco.
Rotating tires.
The Rockies’ rotation soon will have more options. Aaron Cook will start Thursday at Coors Field against the Phillies, and Jeff Francis (biceps tendon) could be ready late next week.
“I am able to let the ball go. I just have to keep making progress,” Francis said.
If Cook is effective at home, the Rockies could mix and match with Francis and move Esmil Rogers to the bullpen.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
