Harold Ramirez makes a quick return to Tropicana Field

ST. PETERSBURG — The scene at Tropicana Field was familiar: Harold Ramirez buddied up with Rays players and coaches ahead of warmups.

The uniform was not: The new Nationals DH/outfielder now wearing red in a sea of Rays white and blue.

“First, it was feeling a little bit weird because I just left like two weeks ago (when the Rays released him),” Ramirez said Friday. “I really feel good to be here together. But today we’re here with Washington. I have to take advantage and do my job.”

Ramirez, who spent 2½ seasons with the Rays, was called up Monday by Washington.

“That was just a surprise, because I know I had a good deal here with the team,” Ramirez said. “But I know this is business. Now, I just have another opportunity.”

The first thing he did Friday was go to the Rays clubhouse to greet old friends. He said those bonds are the only remnants he has left of his time in Tampa Bay.

He later sat for almost 30 minutes in front of the Rays dugout, chatting with manager Kevin Cash and outfielder Jose Siri, among others.

“(Facing Ramirez) will be unique because he’s been a big part of our organization, this team for a couple of seasons now, getting a lot of big hits,” Cash said. “I know he’ll do good things over in Washington. Hopefully, we can kind of keep him quiet though for three days.”

“Excellent teammate,” Siri said. “It was really good to see him and say hi to him again and give him a big hug as well.”

Nationals manager Dave Martinez, who has his own ties to Tampa Bay, said the skills Ramirez showcased here will translate well for Washington.

“He’s awesome — he really is,” Martinez said. “He swings the bat. That’s what I love about him. We want to bring a guy who puts the bat on the ball. He’s got great bat-to-ball skills. We’re not overly concerned of his walks. We want him to hit. When he plays, he’s going to hit in the middle of our lineup. But so far he’s been absolutely wonderful.”

Ramirez was a key part of the Rays offense the last two seasons when he hit .306 to go along with 18 home runs and a .780 OPS.

This season, though, Ramirez struggled in Tampa Bay. In 48 games, he batted .268 with a .589 OPS. Forty of his 44 hits were singles, and he only had one homer.

Ramirez said he has been working with the batting coaches to get back to his old form. He has been watching film from last season and is starting to “feel good” at the plate again.

In three appearances with the Nationals, he has gone 2-for-8 with one RBI. He did not appear in Friday’s 3-1 loss to the Rays.

Ramirez has taken on a mentor role in Washington.

“I’ve known him for quite a while,” Martinez said. “He’s like a quiet leader. I see him talking around the batting cages about hitting to our young players. (He) really understands who he is.”

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The Rays played a video package at the end of the first inning in honor of Ramirez’s time with the team. He received an ovation from the announced crowd of 14,959.

“I have a good memory of when I go to play (at the Trop), of people getting excited,” Ramirez said. “I feel the love from the fans.”

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