Aramis won't be game-ready; Crew not concerned

PHOENIX -- Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez underwent surgery in December to remove a non-cancerous polyp from his colon and will not be game-ready when Cactus League play begins late next week, club officials said. Ramirez is expected to arrive in camp on time ahead of Saturday's first full-squad workout.

"My understanding from [head athletic trainer] Dan Wright, who followed this closely, is that there were no [long-term] issues to be concerned about or alarmed with," said Brewers assistant GM Gord Ash. "He's just behind, and what's the rush? If he's a week to 10 days behind [it is not a problem].

"Part of the problem in giving you updated information is we haven't seen him. This is all word of mouth. Until we see him -- I expect him to be here for the physical on the weekend -- then we'll know more. ... But our understanding is this will be a question of days. There are no problems."

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke spoke to Ramirez on Tuesday and was told Ramirez has been doing some hitting lately in the Dominican Republic. The 35-year-old is entering the final season of his contract and coming off a 2013 marred by a nagging left knee injury.

Ash also provided an update on reliever Francisco Rodriguez, who has been delayed because he signed so late in the offseason. Rodriguez has an appointment at the U.S. consulate in Caracas, Venezuela, on Feb. 26 to acquire a work visa, Ash said, and the Brewers hope to see him in camp several days later.

It is unclear whether the recent violence in the Venezuelan capital will impact Rodriguez's plan.