3/19 Ramirez to hit in Minor camp

Aramis Ramirez still can’t throw because of a sore right tricep and he’s expected to go to the Cubs Minor League camp on Saturday to get at-bats.

“It’s just a muscle and it’s taking a little longer than we expected — I’ll be OK,” Ramirez said Friday. “It’s [a problem] throwing. That’s why I’m not playing.”

The third baseman, who missed two months last year because of a separated shoulder, left last Saturday’s game against the Reds after a throw because of some discomfort and has not played since.

“I thought it was going to be two or three days and it’s been almost a week,” Ramirez said. “Hopefully it gets better soon.”

A career .286 hitter, Ramirez has appeared in seven spring games and is 4-for-17 so far.

“We have plenty of time,” Ramirez said. “There’s no reason to rush it.”

– Carrie Muskat