Manny Ramirez is moving on up the minor league ladder.
The 42-year-old slugger will join the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Thursday as a player/coach, the team announced Wednesday.
The former All-Star was signed by the club to a minor-league contract in May, and has been working out at the Cubs’ spring training complex in Arizona where he has been working with young players and getting himself back into shape.
The Cubs signed the former batting champion to serve as an assistant coach and part-time player, but president Theo Epstein made it clear that Ramirez would not be called up to the majors.
Ramirez hit .259 with three home runs in 30 games with Triple-A Round Rock last season.
