Boston Red Sox: Hanley Ramirez Close to Moving Back to First Base

Boston Red Sox slugger Hanley Ramirez has been limited defensively throughout spring training due to a sore shoulder.

With Opening Day is just a couple weeks away, will the Boston Red Sox have a fully healthy Hanley Ramirez?

All indications point to the slugger being available to start at first base when the 2017 MLB season kicks off. Ramirez has been limited to DHing because of a sore right shoulder. While the soreness has prevented him from throwing the ball, it hasn’t affected his ability to hit.

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With the Red Sox searching for a DH to replace David Ortiz, the idea of Ramirez fully utilized as the team’s DH has been discussed and could end up as a better option defensively.

As for now, the team is set on Ramirez as their starting first basemen. On Saturday, manager John Farrell hinted that the slugger could be ready to see some first base action in spring training very soon.

"“He had a very good day yesterday and again this morning with some of the manual patterns and resistance he’s going through with his arm,” Farrell told reporters, via WEEI. “We feel like there’s been a little bit of a breakthrough here. We’re anticipating that throwing to continue to progress and ramp up. The goal, obviously, is still to get him games at first base while in camp, and we’re moving towards that.”"

Farrell went on to indicate that the team will not rush Hanley Ramirez at first base. The team does have two viable options to fill in until Ramirez is back to full strength with his shoulder. Veteran Mitch Moreland has won a gold glove at the position and prospect Sam Travis has been making his case throughout the spring that he is ready for the big club.

Next: Boston Red Sox 2017 Player Previews: Mookie Betts

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