NEW YORK (AP) - Hanley Ramirez was out of Florida's starting lineup Sunday because of a stiff shoulder, a potential break for the New York Mets as they tried to win a playoff spot in the season finale.
One of the top players in the National League, Ramirez tweaked his surgically repaired left shoulder diving for a couple of balls Saturday. The All-Star shortstop was batting .301 with 33 homers, 35 stolen bases and a major league-high 125 runs scored."This morning it was kind of worse," Ramirez said. "I can't swing very hard. ... It happens, man."
The Mets began the day tied with Milwaukee for the NL wild card. The Brewers were set to host the NL Central champion Chicago Cubs, with ace CC Sabathia on the mound.
New York was slated to start lefty Oliver Perez against the Marlins on short rest.
Ramirez and the Marlins knocked New York out of playoff contention on the final day of the regular season last year, completing the Mets' epic collapse. In the past few days, Florida players weren't shy about saying they wanted to do the same thing this weekend.
"I don't worry about the Mets," said Ramirez, who had surgery last October to repair a torn labrum. "I play for the Marlins."
Ramirez got four hits, scored three times and stole two bases in a 6-1 victory Friday night. He went 0-for-3 with a walk Saturday as Johan Santana pitched New York to a 2-0 win.
"For him not to be able to play, he's got to be in some discomfort," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Who wouldn't want to play on this stage, in New York?"
Alfredo Amezaga was slated to start at shortstop and bat eighth for the Marlins. Rookie center fielder Cameron Maybin was in Ramirez's usual leadoff spot.
