Red Sox DH Hanley Ramirez has been battling a sore right shoulder and announced on Thursday that he is not participating in the World Baseball Classic. Mariners shortstop Jean Segura will replace him on the Dominican Republic roster, Jon Morosi reports.
The shoulder soreness affects Ramirez’s throwing ability, but reportedly does not bother him when he hits. The three-time All-Star hit .286/.361/.505 with 30 home runs and 111 RBI in 620 plate appearances for the Red Sox last year, starting 133 of 144 games at first base. With David Ortiz now out of the picture, Ramirez will serve as the full-time DH this year, assuming he’s healthy enough to do so.
Segura, 26, was acquired by the Mariners from the Diamondbacks back in November. He had a career year in 2016, batting .319/.368/.499 with 20 home runs, 64 RBI, 102 runs scored, and 33 stolen bases in 694 PA.
