MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin says there is a "50-50" chance suspended slugger Manny Ramirez will join the team when his 50-game drug ban expires Wednesday.
Ramirez was scheduled to play Monday for Triple-A Sacramento, but the Tuesday plan was yet to be determined. The afternoon start in Minnesota on Wednesday would likely require Ramirez to travel Tuesday rather than squeeze another minor league game in. The A's want Ramirez to get his swing in better shape before he's brought up, but Melvin said Monday his struggling offense might prompt Ramirez's immediate arrival.
The A's reinstated third baseman Brandon Inge from the 15-day disabled list Monday and optioned catcher Anthony Recker to Sacramento. Inge had a strained right groin. Jason Donaldson will be the primary backup to catcher Kurt Suzuki.
