Manny Ramirez Return: Three Weeks and Counting

Manny Ramirez is eligible to return from his 50-game suspension on May 30.  According to Jim Hawkins of MLB.com, the Oakland A’s plan on sending Ramirez on a 10-game minor league rehab assignment, meaning that Man-Ram is about two weeks away from once again participating in professional baseball.

After being reinstated by Major League Baseball following his second failed performance-enhancing drug test, Manny Ramirez once again hit the free agent market.  Rather than his initial 100-game ban, Ramirez carried with him only a 50-game suspension.

Even with his penalty being cut in half, Ramirez still faced an uphill battle when it came to finding a team this winter.  There was even talk of Manny reaching out to front offices himself and practically begging for a workout.

After months had passes, Ramirez finally landed a deal with the Oakland A’s.  Since spring training, surprisingly little has been said regarding Ramirez.

This figures to change in the near future as Ramirez prepares for his stint in the minors.  Following his 10 games with A’s minor league affiliates, Ramirez is expected to make his season debut with Oakland on or shortly after May 30.

As far as what Ramirez’s role will be once he joins the A’s, manager Bob Melvin said that will be determined once the veteran arrives.  For the time being the A’s are only focused on getting Ramirez major league-ready.  Over their first 29 games, the A’s haven’t gotten much production out of their designated hitters, the position Ramirez is best suited for.

For more on the Athletics be sure to check out Swingin’ A’s.

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