The Los Angeles Dodgers received bad news that Hanley Ramirez will require thumb surgery, and will be sidelined approximately two months. Ramirez suffered the injury during the World Baseball Classic (WBC) championship representing the Dominican Republic in the third inning while chasing down as ground ball.
An MRI taken on Thursday revealed that he had a torn ligament in his thumb, and the surgery will be performed on Friday in Los Angeles by Dr. Steve Shin.
Ramirez doesn't regret playing for his home country in the WBC. However this will definitely cause concern for future players, who contribute their talents to the WBC from other MLB clubs with their GM's.
"It could've happened anywhere. It could've happened here. It unfortunately happened in the WBC. It's very disappointing," said Ramirez.
Scheduled to take his place during the next two months at shortstop will more than likely be Luis Cruz or Dee Gordon. This is going to be a significant blow to the Dodgers depth at that position. Especially with the uncertainty of Carl Crawford and Zack Greinke, the baseball gods have not shown the Dodgers mercy when it's come to health thus far.
Luis Cruz has played third base the entire spring and is prepared to take over the position in Ramirez's absence.
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly expressed that Ramirez spot at shortstop was a key to the Dodgers strong presence on the field. Mattingly also expressed that the WBC was indeed good for the game, yet his main focus is making sure his remaining players remain healthy, and assemble a team ready to compete Opening Day.
"At this point, everything is hypothetical. I don't know if I'm comfortable with anything going on at shortstop right now," said Mattingly.
One thing is for certain, the Dodgers will be fighting an up hill battle to begin the season, and will be a true test of strength for this new look Dodger team who has high expectations, not just by upper management, but also by Dodger fans and Major League Baseball.
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