Manny Returns For Boston After 24-Game Absence

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Manny Ramirez returned to the Boston Red Sox lineup on Tuesday night after missing 24 games with a strained muscle in his left side.

He was put in the No. 2 spot in the order, a place he had occupied just six times in his previous 1,994 major-league games over 15 seasons. He has hit fourth in most of those games.

Manager Terry Francona said batting second would allow Ramirez to get an extra at-bat in the opener of a two-game series against the Oakland Athletics before likely being replaced in left field by rookie Jacoby Ellsbury.

The Red Sox have just six regular-season games left and have clinched a playoff spot.

Via ESPN

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