Mookie Betts
Lovullo: 'Hanley Ramirez is our left fielder'
Mookie Betts

Lovullo: 'Hanley Ramirez is our left fielder'

Published Aug. 19, 2015 10:44 a.m. ET

Despite his struggles in the outfield (and fans clamoring for management to make a change), the Boston Red Sox will be sticking with Hanley Ramirez in left field.

"We're not hiding anything. We want to be as transparent as possible. No, he's not getting any type of work at first base at this point," interim manager Torey Lovullo told MLB.com. "Hanley Ramirez is our left fielder. I think we are gonna stay with that."

The Sox signed Pablo Sandoval and Ramirez this offseason, despite having emerging star Xander Bogaerts and veteran Dustin Pedroia at second. It was clear one was going to play third base, with one transitioning to the outfield.

ADVERTISEMENT

One possible destination for Ramirez could be first base, especially considering the athletic trio of outfielders in Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Rusney Castillo, but the team will ride the storm.

"He has some infield instincts in the outfield still. I know he wants to come in on balls," said Lovullo. "I think he's becoming a little more familiar with the spacing around the wall. I just think there's a general feel that he needs to develop here in Fenway Park. I think on the road, he does OK defensively. I think in Fenway Park, it's a very confined area, and he's still adjusting to that. It's just going to take a little bit of time."

(h/t MLB.com)

share


Mookie Betts
Get more from Mookie Betts Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more