3/14 Ramirez says he's OK

Aramis Ramirez said Sunday his arm is fine. The Cubs third baseman said he felt something on a throw to first in the second inning of Saturday’s game against the Reds. He understands that fans will panic when they hear that he’s feeling any discomfort.

“There’s no reason to [panic],” Ramirez said. “In a couple days, I’ll be back in there.”

He missed two months last season after dislocating his right shoulder in early May. Saturday’s injury also has nothing to do with the Cubs’ trip Monday to Tucson.

“I wasn’t going anyways,” Ramirez said of the upcoming junket. “[Lou Piniella] told me during batting practice [Saturday] that I wasn’t going. I was supposed to play [Sunday].”

Instead, Chad Tracy was starting at third base in the Cubs’ game against the Angels. Ramirez said he’ll throw either Monday or Tuesday, depending on how his arm feels.

– Carrie Muskat