It appears Hanley Ramirez will get some game action at first base before spring training starts.
The Boston Red Sox slugger told ESPN Deportes’ Enrique Rojas on Monday that he’ll play in the Dominican Winter League for the Licey Tigers this offseason. Ramirez previously said he wasn’t planning on playing winter baseball, but he evidently had a change of heart.
“People don’t know this, but I’ll play in the Dominican Republic in the coming weeks,” Ramirez told Rojas in Spanish. “I’m preparing for this. I think this is something that will help to better prepare me to play first base.”
Ramirez batted .249 with 19 home runs and 53 RBIs in 105 games last season. His year was cut short by a shoulder injury, which he said isn’t bothering him at all anymore. Ramirez also mentioned the fact that he played well in the regular season the last time he played winter ball, which was before the 2013 season.
“I’m going to the Dominican next week, and I’ll start training with Licey,” Ramirez said. “The last time I played winter ball, I had a great year in the MLB and (the Dominican Republic) won the World Baseball Classic.”
However, Ramirez said not all of his reps will come at first this winter.
“I’ll play first base, but mostly I’ll be a designated hitter with Licey,” Ramirez said.
Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images
