Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez was back in the lineup, and back in the leadoff role Monday.
Ramirez, who missed four games with a left shoulder strain, took batting practice Sunday and Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez felt his franchise player was healthy enough to rejoin the starting lineup.
Centerfielder Cameron Maybin, who hit in the leadoff spot in Ramirez’s absence, was dropped to seventh in the lineup.
Maybin, who had eight consecutive hits last week and set a franchise record by reaching base 10 consecutive times, entered Monday’s game hitting .476 (10 for 21).
Gonzalez said he wanted Ramirez back in the leadoff spot, because Ramirez is more comfortable hitting first.
“We tried that, hitting him in the 3 hole a couple of times this year,’’ Gonzalez said. ‘I still believe he can do it, but not these last seven games.’’Maybin had four hits Friday and Saturday, becoming only the second rookie in the last 20 years to save back-to-back four-hit games. Colorado’s Todd Helton accomplished the feat in 1998.
Ramirez, who hit two home runs in his last start Wednesday, belted a shot to left in his first at-bat, but Wilkin Castillo made a leaping catch at the wall.
Gonzalez said it really didn’t matter where he hit Maybin in the lineup.
“He can handle any spot we put him in,’’ Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez also gave Matt Treanor a rare start behind the plate, resting John Baker, who is hitting .377 in September. And Jorge Cantu had the day off as Gonzalez started Wes Helms at third base.
Here are Monday’s lineups for the makeup game, which is expected to draw fewer than 3,000. That’s right, the Marlins should feel right at home.
Marlins (81-74)
Ramirez SS
Hermida RF
Helms 3B
Jacobs 1B
Uggla 2B
Willingham LF
Maybin CF
Treanor C
Nolasco P
Reds (72-83)
Hairston RF
Castillo LF
Votto 1B
Encarnarcion 3B
Keppinger SS
Richar 2B
Patterson CF
Bako C
Harang P
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