Ramirez offering energy boost off the bench

CHICAGO -- Indians manager Terry Francona has been impressed with the play of rookie Jose Ramirez.

The 20-year-old infielder had a pinch-hit triple and scored a run in the Tribe's 8-1 victory over the White Sox on Saturday night, and going into Sunday's series finale with Chicago had been 3-for-9 with five runs scored since making his big league debut on Sept. 1.

"That was a good at-bat [Saturday] night," Francona said. "I think he's come as advertised. … The game is not going too fast for him. He played a lot of winter ball last year and those games are pretty high intensity, so I think that's a big part of some of our comfort level.

"You worry sometimes about bringing up a young player and if they have of a tough time. … If anything, we've seen it's to the contrary [with Ramirez]."

Francona added that Ramirez's speed and style of play helps in September, when some everyday players may be a little run down.

"He gives you a pretty good effort, and he gets after it," Francona said. "This time of year, he's got an extra step where maybe some guys are dragging a little bit."