Marlins SS Ramirez sits out vs. Phillies

Sep 19, 2008 - 10:56 PM MIAMI (Ticker) -- Florida Marlins All-Star shortstop and leadoff hitter Hanley Ramirez was scratched on Friday in the opener of a critical series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Ramirez strained his left shoulder while diving for a ball hit by Houston's Miguel Tejada in the third inning on Wednesday. Ramirez left the game in the fourth inning and did not play Thursday.

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez is hopeful that Ramirez can return to the lineup as early as Saturday.

"He feels a lot better (Friday) than yesterday," Gonzalez said. "For me to say he's going to miss the whole series, I'm not there yet."

Ramirez is tied for the Marlins' lead in home runs with 32 while batting .298 with 66 RBI in 148 games this season.

Alfredo Amezaga will start in Ramirez's place on Friday for the second straight day.

The series pits the two hottest teams in the National League.

The Phillies (86-67) have won seven in a row to move into first place in the NL East - one-half ahead of the New York Mets (85-67) - while the Marlins (80-62) have reeled off eight straight wins to keep alive their slim playoff hopes.

Florida trails Philadelphia by 5 1/2 games and likely needs to sweep the three-game series to maintain any realistic postseason hopes.