Report: Manny Ramirez to Sign Minor League Contract With Rangers

Manny Ramirez has been eyeing a return to the majors. It now appears that he’s well on his way to accomplishing that goal.

Ramirez has signed a minor league contract with the Rangers, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.

Ramirez recently played for the EDA Rhinos of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. He hit .352 with eight home runs and 43 RBIs in 49 games before being released by the club upon fulfilling his contractual commitment to play for the Rhinos through June 15. At that point, Ramirez’s agent, Barry Praver, said that his client was looking to return to the majors in any role.

Ramirez reportedly will report to Triple-A Round Rock, as the Rangers, in need of a right-handed bat, are apparently hoping that the 41-year-old can carry some of his Taiwan success back over to the United States.

Ramirez hasn’t played in the majors since 2011. He played in five games with the Rays that year before testing positive for elevated testosterone. Facing a 100-game suspension, Ramirez retired before eventually returning to baseball with the Athletics organization in 2012. He served a 50-game suspension while in the A’s system, but was then granted his release.

Ramirez, a career .312 hitter with 555 home runs, has been selected to 12 MLB All-Star Games.

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Photo via Facebook/Manny Ramirez