Hanley Ramiez hadn't played in so long -- five consecutive games -- that he said he "was like a little kid" when he was inserted Thursday as a pinch-hitter and remained in the game at shortstop.
"Finally I was back on the diamond," he said.
Ramirez on Friday was in the starting lineup for the first time since July 4 when a tight hip flexor landed him on the bench.
But Ramirez said he is not even close to 100 percent. He could be seen whincing during his pinch-hit at bat, one that resulted in single, in Thursday's game.
"It's not something that's going to go away right away," Ramirez said. "It's a thing that's going to hurt pretty much for a couple of more days, or a week. I've got to keep getting treatment. The waythe pain has been going away, it looks like it's going to be a week, week and a half."
At least Ramirez is now confident he'll be able to play in Tuesday's All-Star Game, removing the remote chance that he might have to miss the game because of the injury. Hanging in Ramirez's locker were replica All-Star jerseys he intends to his father and two sons.
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