``I think he's a little bit better," manager Terry Francona said when asked about the status of the slugger, who's been plagued with knee and hamstring problems (we think) the last week.
Here's a brief history of the last nine days on Planet Manny:
Friday, Aug. 18: Goes 1 for 2 with a homer and two walks in first loss to the Yankees. Replaced by Gabe Kapler in the top of the ninth. Goes 4 for 6 with a double and two RBIs in the nightcap. Loses a base hit when official scorer charges Derek Jeter with an error on a vicious hopper to Jeter's right. Sox complain to league, requesting error be changed to hit. Protest eventually denied.
Saturday, Aug. 19: According to the Providence Journal, Ramírez has to be talked into playing this game because he's still steamed about Friday's scoring decision. Crushes a three-run homer, and walks twice before Eric Hinske pinch hits for him in the eighth.
Last Sunday: Plays all 10 innings of the fourth consecutive excruciating loss to the Yankees. Goes 2 for 2 with a double and three walks.
Monday: Walks twice before being replaced after four innings of a 2-1 loss in the final game of the Yankee sweep. Francona says Ramírez left because of cramping in his right hamstring.
Tuesday: Sits out until the ninth inning of a 4-3 loss. Pinch hits against Francisco Rodriguez in the ninth and hits a vicious liner to center that is caught by Chone Figgins.
Wednesday: Replaced in the bottom of the fourth after grounding out twice. Francona says Manny has soreness in his right knee.
Thursday: Goes for MRI in Southern California, which shows no structural damage. Francona cites preexisting condition of patellar tendinitis and lists Manny as day-to-day. Does not play against Angels.
Friday: Does not play against Mariners.
Last night: Back in the lineup, back in left field. Nine full innings.
