Hanley Ramirez is looking for a new home after the Boston Red Sox released the 34-year-old slugger Friday. But he might not have to leave the American League East to find his new ballpark.
The Red Sox designated Ramirez for assignment in order to make room on the roster for Dustin Pedroia, and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Saturday, citing sources, that the Baltimore Orioles have shown interest in signing the veteran slugger.
O’s GM Dan Duquette later confirmed the news to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.
Baltimore has had a brutal start to the season, and it’s doubtful that Ramirez could provide enough help to right the ship. Ramirez hit .254 with six home runs and 29 RBIs in 44 games for Boston before his release. The Orioles’ lineup already is filled with underperforming veterans, with Chris Davis, Adam Jones, Pedro Alvarez and Jonathan Schoop all having horrid years at the dish.
The Orioles, 17-40, currently sit in last place in the AL East. So whether they add Ramirez’s bat or not, it likely will be a long summer in Baltimore.
