Manny Returns

Manny Ramirez returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup tonight having completed his 50 game suspension after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs on May 7th.

The Dodgers were 21-8 at the time of Ramirez's suspension. Could the Dodgers win without Manny? Without Manny the Dodgers went 29-21. They own the best record in MLB and have a 7½ game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the NL West.

Manny received a more favorable reception than one might have expected at Petco Park. But a lot of Dodgers fans made the short trip down to San Diego to see Manny being Manny. After walking in the 1st inning, Manny went hitless in his next three at bats and left the game in the 6th in favor of Juan Pierre, who filled in admirably in left field during Ramirez's absence. The Dodgers beat the Padres 6-3.