"It's definitely going to present a challenge for us, but I still like the way we've been playing," said pitcher Dan Haren, who faced Ramirez for three years in the American League as a member of the Oakland Athletics. "I'd take our guys.
"When you get right down to it, the pitching's got to be there. The Dodgers have pitched great this year, we've pitched good and I think the division will probably be decided by that."
Said Diamondbacks center fielder Chris Young: "He's definitely an offensive force and I think he'll help them put up some runs. [But] we're going to handle our business and if we do our part, we should be right there."
Short hops
Right-handed pitcher Ethan Martin, the Dodgers' first-round draft pick, underwent season-ending knee surgery after being injured during fielding drills. He is expected to be out six weeks and pitch in the instructional league by mid-September.
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Times staff writer Dylan Hernandez contributed to this report.
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ben.bolch@latimes.com
