MIAMI (Reuters) - Florida Marlins All-Star Hanley Ramirez was benched during his team's 5-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday for showing a lack of effort, manager Fredi Gonzalez told the team's website (www.marlinsmlb.com).
The disciplinary action came in the second inning where shortstop Ramirez misplayed a ball, sending it into left field, where he casually jogged after it and allowed two Arizona runs.
When the Marlins returned to the clubhouse from the field, Gonzalez exchanged words with Ramirez before the player was replaced by Brian Barden for the third inning.
Despite being hobbled in the first when he fouled a pitch off of his shin, the manager did not accept the injury as an excuse for Ramirez's lack of urgency.
"I told (Ramirez) he needed to go inside," Gonzalez told reporters. "We expect an effort from 25 guys on this team. When that doesn't happen we've got to do something."
Considered to be one of the best all-around players in baseball, Ramirez won the National League batting crown last season and is considered the face of the organization.
(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)
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