MIAMI (AP) — New Florida Marlins interim manager Jack McKeon is hoping a move to the cleanup spot will jump-start Hanley Ramirez.
Ramirez, battling a season-long slump, was slated to bat fourth for the first time in his career Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels. The lineup was the second drawn up by McKeon after he took over Monday.
McKeon held Ramirez out of the starting lineup Monday, saying he didn’t like the way the All-Star shortstop ran in the Marlins’ previous game. But if Ramirez was in the doghouse with the new skipper, he didn’t stay there long.
The Marlins are desperate for the 2009 NL batting champion to regain his stroke. They tied a franchise record Monday with their 11th consecutive loss, which dropped them to 1-19 in June.
