CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have activated struggling slugger Aramis Ramirez from the 15-day disabled list and designated infielder Chad Tracy for assignment.
Ramirez, who turned 32 on Friday, had been sidelined since June 8 because of a sprained left thumb. He says he feels better, and the Cubs need him to rediscover the form that made him a two-time All-Star if they are going to contend in the NL Central.
Ramirez hurt his thumb swinging against Cincinnati in May and was batting .168 with five homers and 22 RBIs entering Friday’s game against the White Sox.
Manager Lou Piniella says there’s “no reason to assume that he can’t step in there and swing the bat and help us offensively.”
Tracy hit .250 in 28 games with the Cubs.
