Hanley Ramirez removed from NLCS Game 4

Hanley Ramirez exited NLCS Game 4 early due to his rib fracture. (Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) Hanley Ramirez's fractured rib caused him to make an early

Hanley Ramirez exited NLCS Game 4 early due to his rib fracture. (Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Hanley Ramirez's fractured rib caused him to make an early exit from NLCS Game 4 against the Cardinals. Ramirez was injured in Game 1 of the series Oct. 11, when he was hit by a Joe Kelly fastball.

He missed Game 2 and was diagnosed with a fractured eighth rib following a CT scan. He played through Game 3 despite the diagnosis, using painkillers and protective padding. He played part of Game 4, striking out in all three of his plate appearances before he was removed due to pain.

The Dodgers will update his status later, with Wednesday's Game 5 looming. For now, Nick Punto has replaced Ramirez at shortstop.