Dodgers notes: Manny Ramirez to hit third

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PHOENIX -- Manny Ramirez will bat third in the Dodgers’ lineup this season, Manager Joe Torre said this morning. Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson will hit 1-2.

‘Last year, we didn’t have those 1-2 guys,’ Torre said.

The Dodgers’ cleanup hitter will change depending on whether they’re facing a left- or right-handed pitcher. Andre Ethier, who is batting fourth today against the visiting Kansas City Royals, and Russell Martin appear to be the most likely candidates.

Chad Billingsley threw 30 pitches in a side session today and said he felt no problems. Billingsley is scheduled to pitch in a minor-league simulated game on Sunday.

Here’s the Dodgers’ lineup:

Rafael Furcal SS
Orlando Hudson 2B
Manny Ramirez LF
Andre Ethier RF
Russell Martin C
James Loney 1B
Matt Kemp CF
Blake DeWitt 3B
Hiroki Kuroda RHP

-- Dylan Hernandez