Hanley Ramirez’s (second) stint with the Boston Red Sox appears to be over.
The Red Sox designated Ramirez for assignment, the club announced Friday. Boston made the move to facilitate Dustin Pedroia’s return from a knee injury.
The most likely outcome for Ramirez is the Red Sox release him. They have seven days to trade him, but it’s unlikely a team will bite on the veteran first baseman/designated hitter’s contract. Ramirez has roughly $15 million left on his deal this season, per The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, and also has a plate appearance clause that would vest a $22 million option for the 2019 season.
Ramirez had a tremendous start to the 2018 season. The 34-year-old looked revitalized, hitting .333 with three home runs and 16 RBIs in his first 19 games. He’s looked clueless at the plate since then, though, hitting just .196 over his last 25 games. He currently is in the midst of an 0-for-20 slump.
