Person familiar with situation: Manny Ramirez to join Chicago White Sox on Monday

AP source: Ramirez expected to join White Sox

CHICAGO — Manny Ramirez is expected to join the Chicago White Sox on Monday, giving the fading playoff contender a big boost during a key 10-game road trip.

A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Sunday night that the White Sox were close to acquiring the slugger from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the details were still being worked out, expects the deal to be completed on Monday, but whether it’s a trade or waiver claim is still to be determined.

The White Sox are hoping Ramirez will be energized by a change of scenery and can give them a lift similar to the one he provided when he was acquired by the Dodgers in 2008. Los Angeles got Ramirez in a deadline deal that season, and he hit .396 with 17 homers in 53 games to power the club to the NL West title.

But that was two years ago, and the 38-year-old Ramirez has been hampered by right leg injuries this season. The dreadlocked outfielder is batting .311 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in 66 games in 2010.

The AP sent e-mails to Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti and White Sox GM Kenny Williams seeking comment.

Ramirez’s salary is $20 million in the final season of a two-year contract, but only $5 million is due this year, with the rest to be paid over the next three years.