Hanley Ramirez could return to the Boston Red Sox’s lineup as early as Wednesday, but that didn’t stop the team from covering all their bases.
The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham reported Tuesday that Rusney Castillo was at the Rogers Centre ahead of the Red Sox’s game against the Blue Jays, however, the Cuban outfielder wasn’t added to Boston’s roster. Castillo’s trip was as a taxi squad member, meaning he’ll serve as a “26th man” in case Ramirez suffers any setbacks.
Still, Abraham also reported that Ramirez took batting practice and looked ready enough to pinch hit at some point Tuesday. Castillo’s appearance likely means the Red Sox are being cautious in a time where they’re understaffed (Brock Holt is out of the outfield mix with Dustin Pedroia on the DL).
Plus, this happened.
[tweet https://twitter.com/PeteAbe/status/616000487427411968 align=’center’]
Ramirez has been sidelined since June 24 after he was struck in the hand by a Xander Bogaerts line drive on a hit-and-run attempt. He then left the Red Sox’s series against the Tampa Bay Rays to get an MRI in Boston after “not progressing as (the team) anticipated,” according to manager John Farrell, but he joined the team in Toronto on Monday.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports Images
