Dustin Pedroia is set to return from the disabled list this weekend, and the Boston Red Sox have made a shocking roster move to make room for their second baseman.
Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox informed Hanley Ramirez on Friday morning that they are designating him for assignment. The team later confirmed the news.
The Red Sox now have seven days to either trade or release Ramirez. As Speier notes, the decision could have something to do with Ramirez’s $22 million vesting option for 2019. The 34-year-old is owed another $15 million this season, and his option would vest if he has 497 or more plate appearances. He was already at 195 on the year and was projected to surpass that number with ease.
Ramirez has struggled a bit after a hot start, but he is hitting .254 with six home runs and 29 RBI and provided the Red Sox with a dangerous bat in the middle of their order. He does, however, have a tendency to fall off as the year goes on, and he hit just .242 last season in 133 games. His defense at first base is also below average, and the Red Sox have a former Gold Glover at the position in Mitch Moreland.
Prior to the season, Ramirez made a very bold claim about how the Red Sox would perform after they made a big signing. He seemed to be all-in despite some character questions that have dogged him in the past, but apparently the Red Sox feel they will be better off without him.
