Hanley Ramirez will return to the lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers today after sustaining a hamstring injury in early May, the team announced via Twitter:
In 2012, the three-time All-Star hit .271 with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 30 runs and seven stolen bases in 64 games after being acquired by the Dodgers before the trade deadline. Los Angeles was hoping he would regain his All-Star form alongside August acquisitions Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, but he’s only played four games so far in 2013.
The 29-year-old shortstop, who was last an All-Star with the Miami Marlins in 2010, played in only 92 games in 2011 due to a shoulder injury. This year, he got injured running the bases on May 3.
Last season, the Dodgers went a combined 28-26 in August and September despite the acquisitions of Ramirez, Gonzalez, Crawford and right-hander Josh Beckett.
This season, it’s been even worse. Not only has it been a rocky campaign for summer signing Zack Greinke (4.80 ERA, fractured his collarbone in a brawl with San Diego Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin in April), the Dodgers are bottom-feeders in the National League West. This is despite grandiose expectations in the preseason.
Despite some big names in the lineup, they have been one of the worst offensive teams in baseball this season. Interestingly enough, Gonzalez and Crawford have bounced back, while two-time All-Star Matt Kemp has regressed.
In the midst of an ugly season, Los Angeles would love to see Ramirez rebound, as Gonzalez and Crawford have. This offense needs all the help it can get.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com