Manny Ramirez‘s comeback may be over, or at least on hold. The A’s announced tonight that they have released
the power-hitting outfielder. Ramirez was attempting a comeback from retirement after quitting the game to avoid serving another steroid suspension.
According to Susan Sussler of the San Francisco Chronicle, Manny Ramirez asked the team for his release, and they granted it. It was becoming clear to Ramirez that there would not be a spot on the 25-man roster for him anytime soon. He has already completed serving his suspension and could have been brought on by the A’s, but they chose not to clear out roster space for him.
Ramirez told Sussler via phone, “Oakland is a great place. I love Oakland. I’m not going to complain. They gave me a chance. I was proud to get an opportunity there.”
He also made it clear that he wanted to keep playing. He has been hitting better of late at Triple-A Sacramento. Ramirez becomes as free agent now that he has been released.
"“Of course I hope I find a place to play, that’s why I got ready in the offseason,” he said. “This is a fun game. I want to keep playing, why not?”"
In 17 games with Sacramento, Ramirez was hitting .302/.348/.349. He did not hit any home runs and only had three doubles, but he looked as if he was finding his stroke. The 40-year old has hit 555 home runs in his Major League career, but he hasn’t played a Major League game since early 2011 with the Tampa Bay Rays.
On April 8, 2011 Manny Ramirez announced his retirement from the game. He had reportedly tested positive for a banned substance – his second positive drug test in three years. Rather than face the suspension, Ramirez chose to retire. However during the 2011/2012 offseason, he had a change of heart.
The Oakland A’s took a shot with Ramirez, but it just didn’t pan out. The team didn’t feel Ramirez’s performance at Triple-A had warranted any drastic moves that would have cleared way for him to play.
For more on the Oakland A’s, be sure to check out Swingin’ A’s.