Dodgers Place Ramirez on DL

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who are in fourth-place in the NL West, have placed OF Manny Ramirez on the 15-day DL with a strained calf. Ramirez, who is in his last year of the two-year deal he signed in 2009, was hitting .317/.409/.516 with 8 home runs and 39 RBIs. The Dodgers, who entered Tuesday 5.5 games behind the San Diego Padres, will know more about Ramirez’s injury within the next week or so. Ramirez’s response to the treatment will be closely monitored and will be the determining factor as to whether or not he will make a quick return.

In response to Ramirez’s placement on the DL, the Dodgers activated catcher Brad Ausmus from the 60-day DL. Another roster move is anticipated to come tomorrow, when the club will most likely send AJ Ellis to Triple-A, and add an outfielder.

Despite the set-back, the Dodgers still have guys like Xavier Paul, Garret Anderson and Jamey Carroll to help fill Manny’s void. The Dodgers also retain the same focus they’ve had all season, and should be O.K. going forward.