MIAMI -- Hanley Ramirez could return to the Florida Marlins when he's eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday.
Ramirez Ramirez is scheduled to make his second rehab start for Class A Jupiter on Saturday night. Out with a back strain since May 30, the All-Star shortstop went 2 for 3 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored as the designated hitter for Jupiter on Friday night.
Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez said Saturday that Ramirez was fine physically but he did not run at 100 percent.
Ramirez hit off a tee Wednesday, his first activity since being injured. He was scheduled to play nine innings at shortstop in the Hammerheads' game at Port St. Lucie on Saturday.
If things go as planned, Ramirez will return to the Marlins on Sunday to take batting practice. He would work out with the team Monday and return to the lineup at Philadelphia on Tuesday, when he can come off the DL.
Also, Marlins closer Leo Nunez, who wasn't available Friday night due to back tightness, was scheduled to throw in the bullpen Sunday and Monday. Rodriguez said Nunez could be available Tuesday in Philadelphia.
Unlike Ramirez and Nunez, right-hander Josh Johnson's return is more uncertain.
The Marlins ace has been on the disabled list since May 21, retroactive to May 17, with right shoulder inflammation.
Trainers have warned Johnson that rushing back before he's completely healthy likely would result in more shoulder problems.
"Right now, we're trying to concentrate on what we have here available," Rodriguez said. "Whenever J.J. is 100 percent, that's when we want J.J. on the field. When that's going to happen, we have no idea. ... We hope to have Josh for at least the second half of the season."
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
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