Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who missed Saturday’s Game 2 of the National League Championship Series because of bruised ribs, is questionable for Monday’s Game 3 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ramirez was injured when he was hit by a pitch in Game 1. He had a CT scan on his ribs Sunday, but the results were not available by Sunday afternoon.
With the Cardinals leading the best-of-seven series 2-0, Ramirez said he will play if he can handle the pain.
“We’re just working on that, taking the pain away so I can go,” Ramirez said. “Even if it’s cracked or something, I’m going to be able to get out there if we can take the pain away. It feels the same, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to remain positive for tomorrow.”
Ramirez hit .345 with 20 homers during the regular season, and he had two hits in Game 1 of this series.
The Dodgers need his bat in the lineup. They hit .184 in the first two games of the series, including 1-for-16 (.063) with runners in scoring position.
It’s unclear whether Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier will be back in the starting lineup Monday. He has been bothered by shin splints, although he made his first start since Sept. 13 in the series opener. He did not start Game 2.