Aramis Ramirez Begins Rehab on Thursday

PITTSBURGH—Manager Lou Piniella said Aramis Ramirez would begin his minor league rehab stint on Thursday if all goes well the next three days during batting practice. Piniella did not know where Ramirez would be playing, but he expects to get him 20-25 at-bats. That suggests Ramirez could be back for next week’s series against Atlanta at Wrigley Field. “It’s been a long time for Ramirez,” Piniella said. “He’ll know (when he’s ready). He’s a professional hitter. He can tell us more than we can tell him, honestly. He’s worked hard, to his credit. We thought it would be about two months, and that would be the time-frame. We’re pleased with that.” —Notorious Douchebag Paul Sullivan Good news.