Manny Ramirez apologized to Dodgers owner Frank McCourt during a meeting to discuss his 50-game suspension for using a banned drug.

Next, the slugger might face his teammates in the next few days.

McCourt said Ramirez called him and the two met Saturday, two days after the 12-time All-Star began serving a penalty imposed by Major League Baseball.

"I wanted to meet him face to face," McCourt said. "He started off the meeting by apologizing and acknowledging the disappointment that he's created — not only for me but for others.

"He's in the process right now of doing what anybody else would do if they made a mistake, in terms of making amends here and communicating with the people he knows he has to communicate with and then going about repairing his relationships. And of course, his is magnified many times because he's a public figure and a very popular one."

McCourt also said he thinks Ramirez should speak to his teammates about the suspension.

Ramirez has also spoken with manager Joe Torre and general manager Ned Colletti by phone.

ELSEWHERE

Royals: All-Star closer Joakim Soria was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday with a shoulder injury, and the Kansas City Royals recalled right-hander Luke Hochevar from Triple-A Omaha.

Marlins: Struggling outfielder Cameron Maybin was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans yesterday. Maybin was batting .202 in 26 games. The Marlins did not immediately announce a replacement.

Red Sox: Second baseman Dustin Pedroia left last night's game against Tampa Bay after straining his right groin on a swing. Pedroia fouled a ball off to the third-base side in the third inning and TV replays showed him briefly grimacing.