Dodgers’ Hanley Ramirez could be headed to the disabled list

Hanley Ramirez could be placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, Manager Don Mattingly said.

Mattingly described Thursday as the “drop-dead date” for the Dodgers decide whether to place Ramirez on disabled list.

Making the move by then would allow Ramirez to be activated when the Dodgers return from the All-Star break on July 18.

Ramirez will remain available as a pinch-hitter Wednesday for the Dodgers’ series finale against the Cleveland Indians.

Ramirez wasn’t in the lineup Wednesday for the eighth time in the last nine games. He is currently dealing with a tight calf muscle and continues to be bothered by irritation in his right shoulder.

Ramirez will be a free agent this winter, and concerns about his health could affect his value on the open market. As it is, the questions have already affected his extension talks with the Dodgers. He played only 86 games last year, as he was sidelined with a broken thumb and strained hamstring.