Hanley Ramirez says transition to first base will improve Red Sox
Hanley Ramirez plans to be a new player when he returns from the disabled list. Not just in the sense that he will have recovered from right shoulder inflammation — the Red Sox left fielder will be playing a new position.
“You’re going to see me at first base before the season is over, so don’t worry about that,’’ Ramirez said.
On Saturday, the Red Sox placed Ramirez on the 15-day DL, retroactive to August 27. There is no certainty he will play again this season. The transaction was made to avoid the temptation of rushing back before completely healthy.
Ramirez’s baseball activities are restricted while he rehabs. He cannot hit or throw and is limited to glove and footwork in the field. Ramirez, however, is confident he will be back with less than a month to go.
This season Ramirez has appeared in 92 games in left field, 11 as the designated hitter, and one at third base. Outfield was a change for him. Prior to joining the Red Sox last winter, the 31 year old played over 1,000 career games at shortstop.
While Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has seen Ramirez play first base on video only, he believes the move will be successful — once fully recovered.
“He says that he’s felt more comfortable over there than he’s ever felt in the outfield,’’ said Dombrowski. “He thinks he’ll be able to do it. I think Torey (interim manager Torey Lovullo) has even commented, ‘He’s a natural infielder.’ Sure, you’d love to see it at some time. But you can’t rush it. You’ve got to make sure he’s healthy.’’
Ramirez’s absence has been filled by a group of young talent in the outfield. Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Rusney Castillo can play any of the three positions. Betts and Bradley Jr. have covered left field while Betts could be used in a corner spot in the future.
The Red Sox would like to assign a specific position to each player down the road, and are using this time to watch and assess while maximizing the versatility.
“It’s a lot of fun for us to see these kids go out and play and function with such confidence out there,’’ said Lovullo. “They’re championship-caliber defenders. … I’m not ready to pinpoint one guy in one spot yet.’’
One player whose position has been pinpointed is Travis Shaw. The rookie has been playing primarily first since the departure of Mike Napoli. Even though he has been plugged in at third base during Pablo Sandoval’s injury, the Red Sox would like to see him at first. This would discussed when Ramirez returns.
“We know that he’s a very, very good corner defender, but for right now my focus is to have him play as many games as possible at first base,’’ said Lovullo. “When and if the Hanley situation comes up, I think we’ll readdress it at that point. But for right now we can’t really count on anything with regards to Hanley because of health concerns.’’
Ramirez’s absence has created opportunities in the outfield, and his shift to first base could also change up the look of the lineup. He believes left field will be in good hands while he mans a new position.
“We’re going to have a way better team with me at first and with those three outfielders out there,’’ Ramirez said.
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