Hanley penciled in to return on Wednesday

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez is expected to return to the starting lineup Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium after being limited to one pinch-hitting appearance since Aug. 4 because of a sore right shoulder.

Ramirez was ready to play Tuesday, but Dodgers head athletic trainer Stan Conte urged manager Don Mattingly to wait until Wednesday's series finale against the Mets.

"Stan basically said he would be able to play today," Mattingly said before Tuesday night's game. "It sounds like he's going to be ready to go tomorrow."

The Dodgers are off Thursday, which will provide an opportunity to gauge how Ramirez's shoulder responds.

Ramirez is available to pinch-hit Tuesday. He pinch-hit Friday against the Rays, his only action since he chased a popup into the stands at Wrigley Field.

For the third straight day on Tuesday, Ramirez slugged home runs in batting practice, fielded ground balls and threw from shortstop to first base.

"I feel like there are no issues at this point," Mattingly said.