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Ramirez's status in question as Marlins face Phillies

May 31, 2008 - 1:43 PM Florida (30-23) at Philadelphia (32-24) 7:05 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- The Florida Marlins may have to make due without Hanley Ramirez when they continue a three-game series with the red-hot Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.

The Marlins' best hitter, Ramirez left in the fifth inning of Friday's 12-3 loss after being hit in the thumb by a line drive off the bat of Shane Victorino the previous frame. It is unclear whether Ramirez, who is hitting .292 (59-for-202) with nine home runs 23 RBI, will play in this game.

Florida, which has lost three of four, can hardly afford to lose Ramirez.

Chase Utley hit his major-league leading 18th home run and Ryan Howard added a three-run shot for Philadelphia, which is averaging 12 runs over its last five games.

Cole Hamels (5-3, 3.18 ERA) hopes the Phillies keep up their torrid pace. The 24-year-old lefthander was bailed out by Philadelphia's offense in his last start. Hamels allowed six runs and seven hits in four innings, but did not receive a decision in a 15-6 win over Houston on Sunday.

Florida will send Ricky Nolasco to the mound. Nolasco (4-3, 4.70) is 3-0 with a 2.78 ERA in his last four starts, which includes an impressive win over Arizona ace Brandon Webb.