Dodgers’ Hanley Ramirez injures right thumb in WBC final

As soon as he’s done fully adjusting his drape cut look, Jim Kaat will make a statement…and then another…and then…

As the Dominican Republic danced through the night, the Dodgers held their breath. They must wait to see if their shortstop can play on opening day.

Hanley Ramirez injured his right thumb in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, in which the Dominican beat Puerto Rico, 3-0. Ramirez is expected to undergo an MRI exam Wednesday in Arizona, according to Dominican Republic General Manager Moises Alou.

“I don’t think it’s bad,” Dominican coach Alfredo Griffin said.

Ramirez, playing third base for the Dominican, jammed the thumb while diving for a ground ball in the third inning. He remained in the game, even delivering a single in the fourth inning, but left after five innings.

Ramirez declined comment through a team spokesman. Dominican Manager Tony Pena said he removed Ramirez for precautionary reasons, even though Ramirez told Pena he could have gone on.

Dee Gordon would be the likely replacement as Dodgers shortstop, albeit with none of the middle-of-the-order power the Dodgers expect from Ramirez.