Hanley Ramirez is going under the knife.
The Boston Red Sox designated hitter/first baseman dealt with left shoulder issues for much of the 2017 season, and it was apparent in his stats, as Ramirez batted just .242 with 23 home runs, 62 RBIs and a .750 OPS. So now that the Red Sox’s season is over after an early postseason exit in the American League Division Series, Ramirez elected to undergo surgery on the joint.
He tweeted from his hospital bed Tuesday.
Hi my people, went in for left shoulder surgery today, keep me in prayers. Coming back stronger in ‘18, love you all #RedSoxNation @RedSox pic.twitter.com/axDr10BB5x
— Hanley Ramirez ⚾️ (@HanleyRamirez) October 17, 2017
This past season was a huge drop-off for Ramirez, as he posted a .286 average to go with 30 home runs and 111 RBIs in 2016. But with the shoulder surgery, Ramirez could return to form in 2018.
UPDATE (Tuesday, 4:15 p.m. ET): The Red Sox announced that Ramirez underwent a left shoulder arthroscopy and debridement Tuesday. The procedure was performed by Dr. James Andrews, and Ramirez is expected to be ready for the 2018 season.
In related news, Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez also underwent surgery Tuesday. The left-hander underwent a right knee patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. He’s expected to return to pitching in approximately six months.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
