Hanley Ramirez certainly has embraced his role as a DH for the Boston Red Sox.
After playing 133 games at first base for Boston last season, Ramirez has taken the role of DH from David Ortiz, and he is enjoying it. It’s to the point that he has yet to play in the field this season.
Red Sox manager John Farrell acknowledged on Friday that Ramirez prefers to DH, but he stopped short of saying Hanley will strictly DH.
“I know for a fact he thrives on the DH spot, that’s probably his preference overall,” Farrell said via CSN New England. “But in conversations throughout the winter, once we acquired Mitch (Moreland), the conversations throughout spring training — he understands how our roster is built.
“He’s not boycotting it, but I know where his preference lies. What’s best for our team, too, has for him going to first base on occasion.”
Ramirez is batting .300 in limited action this season as he’s missed time with a shoulder issue. An infielder for most of his career, Ramirez said on Thursday that he’s mostly concerned with how he’s rehab is coming in terms of batting. Hanley had 28 doubles and 30 home runs last season, giving the Red Sox the kind of production they were seeking when they signed him prior to the 2015 season.
