Aramis

Ramirez

Jeff Suppan is being sought by the Red Sox, while Scott Sauerbeck could go to the Rangers, although the Yankees seem like a more likely destination.

“Yeah, I think so,” Baker said. “There are guys having phenomenal years, but especially if we get to the playoffs, usually they give more consideration to guys on winning teams.” Ramirez has a .317 average, 33 home runs and 97 RBI, fantastic to be sure, but even if the race only included third basemen, he would still finish third.

“He’s sore - real sore - so I’ve got to take care of him,” manager Dusty Baker said. “I’m hoping for just one (day off). I don’t know if we have the luxury of (giving him) a couple of days off.”

Ramirez has also been struggling, with no homers and only one RBI on the season. It’s somewhat amazing that the Pirates are 6-3 with Ramirez and Brian Giles having no homers and five RBI between them. Ramirez will be back in the lineup today.

Ramirez is the youngest player on the team. Manager Lloyd McClendon said, ''I’m not going to get down on him. I’m going to continue to push, encourage, support, nourish, whatever it takes.’' Ramirez is hitting just .222 with one home run and 12 RBI, but the alternative is Rob Mackowiak, who is hitting .182 with one RBI. Stick with Ramirez. Having Brian Giles back in front of him in the lineup can only help.

''If this was the regular season, I’d play with it,’' Ramirez said. ''Since we’re down here, I don’t have to be out there if I’m 100 percent.’'

Ramirez went 0-for-2.

Ramirez is eligible for free agency after the season. Another year like his 2004 (.318/.373/.578), and he could receive $9 million-$10 million per season on the open market.

“He feels fair,” manager Dusty Baker said. “That’s a very volatile area right there. If you end up pulling it or tearing it real bad he’ll be out for the rest of the season. It’s similar to Larry Walker. He tore his in spring training and he missed months.” Ramirez sat out 11 games with a strained groin before returning to the lineup July 18th. “It’s going to bother him almost all year long,” Baker said. “He’s going to come out and hit and do some things. He’s in therapy with the trainers every day, doing slideboard and different things to help strengthen that without overworking it.” If he is not able to go today, expect Ramirez back on Tuesday.

Manager Dusty Baker said Ramirez is ''about 60-70 percent’’ and that he may be able to pinch hit.