Hanley Ramirez out of lineup, but Dodgers insist he is healthy

PHOENIX -- Hanley Ramirez was out of the Dodgers lineup Wednesday, but Manager Don Mattingly insisted his shortstop wasn’t injured.

“Part of the plan,” Mattingly said.

Ramirez returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing four games with an irritated nerve in his back. He was removed in the eighth inning after scoring from first base on a triple by Michael Young.

“Hanley’s going to get to play a day, off a few days,” Mattingly said. “Kind of try to keep him sharp. I don’t feel like anybody feels Hanley is 100%.”

Ramirez didn’t warm up or take batting practice with his teammates Wednesday.

Ramirez isn’t expecting to play in the Dodgers’ series finale in Arizona Thursday, according to Mattingly.

Told that Ramirez appeared to be limping when scoring on Young’s triple Tuesday, Mattingly replied, “Isn’t he always kind of limping? He’s good. He’s good today physically. A little bit sore.”

Andre Ethier remains sidelined with shin splints on the outer part of his left leg, but Mattingly was hopeful he could resume working out on the field in San Diego over the upcoming weekend.