Ramirez again out of Cubs lineup because of bum thumb

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Chicago Cubs struggling third baseman Aramis Ramirez is getting some extra time to recover from recurring soreness in his left thumb.

Ramirez was out of the lineup Sunday for the third time in four days, and the Cubs have a day off Monday.

Manager Lou Piniella indicated that Ramirez could get even more time off for what trainers have said is a bone bruise. The Cubs open a three-game series at home Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"We're going to give him a little time off. He's struggled at the plate and he needs some time," Piniella said after the Cubs' 5-4 victory over Texas on Sunday. "Sometimes time heals wounds. You work and you work, sometimes it's better just to get away from it totally and relax. That's like beating your head against a wall."

The only game Ramirez played over the weekend was as the designated hitter Saturday night, after being held out of the lineup the previous two games. He went 0 for 5 with four strikeouts.

In his last four games, Ramirez is 0 for 13. He is hitting .160 with four home runs and 20 RBIs in 40 games.

"A few days will do him good," Piniella said. "We don't have to rush him back in. We don't have to rush him."