MRI Negative On Ramirez's Hand, Could Return To Red Sox Lineup In Toronto
BOSTON (CBS) -- An MRI on Hanley Ramirez's left hand came back negative, and the Red Sox slugger could be back in the Boston lineup later this week.
Ramirez returned to Boston over the weekend to have his hand re-examined, but tests revealed no structural damage. The Boston left fielder has missed the last five games after a line drive off the bat of teammate Xander Bogaerts struck him in the left hand while he was running the bases last Wednesday.
Boston manager John Farrell said it's possible Ramirez could rejoin the Red Sox lineup during their four-game set against the Blue Jays in Toronto.
"I think the MRI has given him some peace of mind that there's nothing structurally going on," Farrell said Monday night, adding the team will take the next three days to see if the swelling in Ramirez's hand goes down.
"The optimistic view is that he'll be back in the lineup while we're here in Toronto," said Farrell.
The Red Sox may be in no rush to get Ramirez back though. Alejandra De Aza has filled in and played some stellar defense in left, going 9-for-19 at the plate with three homers, six RBI and four runs scored over the last four games.
For the season, Ramirez is hitting .283 and leads the Red Sox with 15 home runs and 38 RBI.
