MLB Notebook | Manny-mania sweeping L.A.

LOS ANGELES — Chavez Ravine is rocking again — this time with Manny-mania.

Manny Ramirez flourished during his first three games with the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 8 for 13 with five runs batted in since Thursday's three-way trade with Boston and Pittsburgh.

Curtain calls and chants of "Man-ny! Man-ny!" have quickly become commonplace at Dodger Stadium since his arrival from the World Series champion Red Sox, who are paying the remaining $7 million of Ramirez's 2008 salary.

On Sunday, the 12-time All-Star went 4 for 5 with a home run and three RBI as Los Angeles beat Arizona 9-3.

"He certainly changes the personality of our lineup," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said.

Ramirez is getting loud ovations for making the simplest of catches in left field, and for striking out.

"I didn't know whether or not to give Manny a high-five after he struck out in the seventh, because they were cheering him pretty good out there," Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent said Sunday.

And Ramirez is hustling.

In the fifth inning, he ran out a grounder behind third base at full speed before it was ruled foul. On the next pitch, he hit a 436-foot home run — No. 512 of his career.

"I'm still nervous out there, but I'm going to play hard no matter what," he said.

After the game, Ramirez nearly made it out of the clubhouse before a swarm of media engulfed him about 30 feet from a clean getaway.

Braves broadcaster Skip Caray dies

ATLANTA — Skip Caray, a voice of the Atlanta Braves for 33 years and part of a family line of baseball broadcasters that included Hall of Famer Harry Caray, died in his sleep at his home. He was 68.

The cause of death was not immediately known, but Caray said earlier this year he was battling diabetes, congestive heart failure, an irregular heartbeat and reduced kidney and liver functions.

Caray, who was in his 33rd season with the Braves, was the son of legendary Harry Caray, the longtime voice of the Chicago Cubs.

The family line has continued with two of Skip Caray's sons. Chip Caray is a Braves and TBS broadcaster who also has called Mariners games. His other son, Josh, broadcasts games of the Braves' Class A team in Rome, Ga.

Notes

• Mets right-hander John Maine went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right rotator cuff. Mets closer Billy Wagner has a strained left forearm and on Tuesday will have his second MRI in two weeks.

• Atlanta reliever Rafael Soriano, a former Mariner, will return to the DL for the third time this season because of inflammation in his right elbow.

• Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones said he'll be ready to return from a hamstring injury Friday.