Aramis could return and DH on upcoming road trip

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said injured third baseman Aramis Ramirez may return to Milwaukee's lineup during the team's upcoming 11-day, 10-game road trip.

Ramirez was placed on the 15-day disabled list before the All-Star break on July 7 with patellar tendinitis and has battled knee injuries all season.

"If everything goes well, I think he would like to come back sometime for this trip," Roenicke said. "Really haven't talked to the trainers about exact days, but I think in his mind, that's what his goal is."

Roenicke said using Ramirez as the designated hitter on American League stops in Seattle and Texas could help the third baseman ease into playing time.

"Thinking about Aramis, if he's ready by then, on how to go about it, the DH certainly could help," said Roenicke, who noted there has been no talk of surgery. "If he's DH'ing, I think he could DH and hit four times."

Ramirez was hitting .271 with five home runs, 11 doubles and 36 RBIs in 181 at-bats before landing on the DL. Despite his low power numbers, the Brewers have missed Ramirez's presence in the middle of their lineup, especially with the loss of Ryan Braun.

"Not that the progress is huge, but it seems like when he does more activities he's able to tolerate things better," Roenicke said.