Fresh Alexei Ramirez has four hits in White Sox victory

Share

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Just like Robin Ventura suggested, Alexei Ramirez has been pretty good since he returned from a forced vacation.

On Friday night, Ramirez tied his career high with four hits, part of a 17-hit attack in a 12-1 White Sox victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Since he returned to the lineup after a day off Wednesday, Ramirez is 6-for-7 with four runs, three RBIs, a walk and a stolen base.

[MORE: Bats erupt, Danks tosses complete game in win over Royals]

Ventura said before Wednesday’s game that a day off when the team played — they were off Monday — would be better for Ramirez than just a normal off day.

Ramirez, who is hitting .364 over the last 14 games, doesn’t know if there’s any value but rested anyway.

“I love to play and I come in every day ready to play,” Ramirez said through an interpreter. “That day Robin told me I was going to get a break and I took it.”

Ramirez isn’t much one for days off.

Prior to this season, where he’s appeared in 129 of 133 games, Ramirez had missed 22 contests over the previous five seasons.

[NBC SHOP: Gear up, White Sox fans!]

Ferris Bueller he is not.

But Ramirez has looked pretty energetic since he Tyler Saladino started for him Wednesday, even cheering on the rookie infielder from a fewfeet away on Friday when Saladino robbed Jonny Gomes of a hit.

“(Alexei) was cheering during the play so,” Ventura said. “He’s an emotional guy and you like to see that.”

Said Ramirez: “That was a nice catch and a nice play and my reaction was to celebrate it because it was a nice catch. I always try to cheer and celebrate when one of the guys does something good.”

Contact Us