Manny Ramirez is getting closer to being activated by the Oakland A's. Ramirez signed with the A's during the offseason despite having a 50-game PEDs-related suspension to serve. That suspension expires on Wednesday and he could join the big club immediately rather than getting more tune up time in the bus leagues:
Ramirez was scheduled to play Monday for Triple-A Sacramento, but the Tuesday plan was yet to be determined. The afternoon start in Minnesota on Wednesday would likely require Ramirez to travel Tuesday rather than squeeze another minor league game in. The A's want Ramirez to get his swing in better shape before he's brought up, but Melvin said Monday his struggling offense might prompt Ramirez's immediate arrival.
Ramirez might not be much help for Melvin's offense, though. In nine games with Sacramento, Ramirez is hitting just .250/.314/.564 with no home runs and four runs batted in.
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