Manny Ramirez still isn’t ready to call it a career.
Ramirez was a man on a mission recently while playing for the EDA Rhinos of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. He’s been released by the club after fulfilling a contractual commitment to play for the Rhinos through June 15, though, and he now has his sights set on a return to the majors.
“The reason he decided not to return for the second half [of the Rhinos’ season] was to free himself to be available to play in the United States,” Ramirez’s agent, Barry Praver, told FOXSports.com Wednesday. “This whole thing with Manny in Taiwan was a phenomenon. He invigorated the league. Attendance went through the roof. It was a very positive experience for both sides.
“Manny was so invigorated by his play there that he wants to return to the majors.”
Ramirez tore the cover off the ball in Taiwan, hitting .352 with eight home runs and 43 RBIs. We’ll have to wait and see if that’s enough for a MLB team to roll the dice on the polarizing slugger, but, according to Praver, his representatives are currently pursuing opportunities in the United States.
“Manny would be interested in returning to the majors in any role, including that of a pinch hitter,” Praver reportedly said.
The 41-year-old isn’t looking for any star treatment. It’s hard to imagine a big-league return without plenty of media attention, though.
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