The Boston Red Sox activated second baseman Dustin Pedroia on Friday, clearing the way for him to make his long-awaited season debut. Somehow, though, Pedroia's return isn't the biggest Red Sox story of the day -- or even the biggest part of this particular story.
That's because in a corresponding move the Red Sox designated first baseman Hanley Ramirez for assignment:
Ramirez's banishment is surprising for a few reasons. Foremost, Boston was expected to part ways with catcher-slash-utilityman Blake Swihart, who cannot be optioned to the minors and who is without a real role. Additionally, Ramirez is an expensive line to cut, with the Red Sox responsible for what remains on his $22 million salary. That established, finances almost certainly played a role in the decision -- Ramirez was 302 plate appearances away from having his $22 million option vest for next season. He is still owed over $15 million for the remainder of his deal which the Red Sox are still responsible to pay.
Ramirez finishes the Boston portion of his season with an 88 OPS+, but that number belies the highs and lows he's experienced. He entered May with an .874 OPS, yet has hit just .163/.200/.300 since, with 10 more strikeouts than walks. Clearly, the Red Sox figured they'd be better off rolling with Mitch Moreland at the cold corner rather than giving the 34-year-old Ramirez a chance to get right.
The Red Sox will now have seven days to trade or release Ramirez. The latter seems like a more likely scenario, given the money involved. After that, Ramirez will be free to seek a new team. Any interested suitors will have to believe in his bat rebounding -- a shaky proposition, as both his power and walk numbers have wavered this season.
Ramirez signed a four-year deal worth $88 million following the 2014 season. He'll finish that contract having posted a 103 OPS+ and having moved all the way down the defensive spectrum to first base. Seeing as how Ramirez had averaged a 132 OPS+ while playing shortstop (albeit not well) in the three seasons prior to his return to Boston, it's fair to write that his tenure will be remembered as a disappointment.
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