Hanley Ramirez back in Dodgers' lineup, Andre Ethier sits again

The Dodgers got some good news and bad news with their lineup on Wednesday. As expected, Hanley Ramirez is back in the starting lineup against the Mets, his first start since Aug. 4. But outfielder Andre Ethier is out of the lineup for a second straight day while dealing with a right calf injury.

Ramirez jammed his shoulder against the Cubs on Aug. 4, and has been limited to one pinch hitting opportunity in the past nine games. He struck out. Nick Punto (six starts) and Dee Gordon (three games) did admirable work filling in for Ramirez, especially at the plate. That duo combined to hit .424/.500/.606 (14-for-33) with seven RBI and six runs scored.

Ramirez, hitting .359/.410/.641 with 11 home runs in 55 games this season, is back batting cleanup on Wednesday against Dillon Gee. But bating fifth in center field behind Ramirez is Skip Schumaker and not Ethier, who is out for a second straight day.

Ethier was sent to the hospital on Tuesday as his calf hadn't healed since getting hit by a pitch on Aug. 4 at Wrigley Field, the same game in which Ramirez was injured. Ethier on Tuesday sounded as if he might play on Wednesday but it makes sense he is given an extra day, especially with the off day on Thursday. That way Ethier can have a full three days off before the Dodgers open a weekend series in Philadelphia against the Phillies on Friday.

Tim Federowicz gets the call behind the plate, his 10th consecutive time catching Chris Capuano.

Game info

Time: 7:10 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket

MLB Gameday