:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12429467/20130411_ajl_ar5_150.0.jpg)
Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez is back at Dodger Stadium with the team, and he sounded like someone anxious to return to the field.
"I just want to play. I don't want to wait any longer. I think I can play," Ramirez said before Monday's game with the Rockies. "If it's tomorrow, it's fine. If it's tonight, it's fine. It's not my decision."
The Dodgers activated Ramirez from the disabled list before Monday's game, and placed Clayton Kershaw on the bereavement list.
Ramirez was 3-for-6 (.500) with a double and three runs batted in and a run scored in two minor league rehab games on Saturday and Sunday with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. He didn't make any throws on Sunday, but manager Don Mattingly was impressed with what he saw of Ramirez on tape.
Mattingly said Ramirez lobbied to be activated on Monday.
"He's going to work out, and we'll see how he does," Mattingly said. "Then we'll make a decision."
Mattingly earlier on Monday was quite vague in discussing the team's plans for Ramirez, saying he could continue to rehab in the minor leagues this week or he could be activated. Mattingly said Ramirez could be activated Tuesday, the night of the Ramirez 'I see you' bobblehead giveaway at Dodger Stadium, or even Monday night, though a Monday activation would likely only mean Ramirez would be available off the bench, and not in the starting lineup.
"I don't really plan on changing the lineup unless I have any problems with somebody before the game," Mattingly said.
Justin Sellers starts at shortstop for the Dodgers on Monday night, with Luis Cruz at third base.
Ramirez said he didn't know whether or not his next game would be in the majors or minor leagues.
"I haven't talked to anybody yet. They just told me to come here today," Ramirez said. "We'll see what happens after (batting practice)."
Ramirez's activation is well ahead of the initial diagnosis, that he would return eight weeks after his Mar. 22 surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb. Ramirez wears a splint on his thumb to protect it during play. He said it didn't affect his hitting but was something to deal with while playing the field.
"I just have to get used to it," Ramirez said. "If I want to play, I'm going to have to play with it, and I'm fine with that."
Game info
Time: 7:10 p.m.
TV: Prime Ticket