Manny Ramirez To Get At Bats In Minor League Camp

Due to a 50 game suspension that will force him to miss nearly the first third of the season, Manny Ramirez will likely get to see more at bats in minor league camp this spring than with the big league squad, according to MLB.com.

"Being as he has to start with the 50-game suspension and that camp is shortened, I think we've probably committed DH at-bats to finding out some other things about other guys," Athletics manager Bob Melvin said. "But he wants to go over there [to Minor League camp]. He tells me, 'Hey look, don't worry about me. I know you're under the gun to get other guys at-bats.' He's been great about that."

Ramirez has played in three games with the A’s, going hitless in eight at-bats, and will start for them at DH today against the Brewers.

The 39-year-old slugger signed a one year deal with Oakland this season after announcing his retirement last year. Ramirez played in just five games  for the Tampa Bay Rays last year before he was suspended by Major League Baseball for violating its banned substance list. Instead of serving the suspension, Ramirez chose to walk away from the game.