Aramis takes grounders as rehab progresses

MILWAUKEE -- Aramis Ramirez took about two dozen ground balls at third base Tuesday, his first fielding practice in his comeback from a strained left hamstring.

"I'm going to increase that total tomorrow and the next day," said Ramirez, who is on the 15-day disabled list. "I'm looking forward to being healthy pretty soon."

Ramirez said he would talk to manager Ron Roenicke about whether he would go on a Minor League rehab assignment before returning to the Brewers.

"As I get closer to being ready to play again I'll talk with him and I'm sure we'll get something done," he said. "It depends on how you feel. I feel pretty good now. I've been hitting for a while now, so hopefully I don't need to. But if I have to it's not a big deal."

Roenicke said running was the final obstacle that Ramirez faced.

"Just the last thing is to try and get the stride out a little longer and feel like he can be in the game and extend when he needs to," Roenicke said. "We'll see. I don't know how long it's going to take."

Roenicke said Ramirez might do some live hitting on Wednesday against reliever Wei-Chung Wang, who is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game.