Red Sox fans saw the season slash before their eyes when Hanley Ramirez exited Monday night’s game after colliding with the green monster. Tensions eased a bit when, later that night, the Red Sox announced that he had merely suffered a shoulder sprain. However, Red Sox fans can now completely back away from the ledge as a recent MRI indicated that Ramirez’s shoulder suffered no structural damage during the collision.
Since signing a 4 year/$88M contract with the Red Sox this offseason, Ramirez has succeeded even the highest expectations. In 25 games with the Red Sox, he has slashed .283/.340/.609 and his 10 home runs in April tied a Red Sox record.
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With the Red Sox slipping in the standings right now, a longterm injury to Ramirez is the last thing the team needs as he has been the unquestioned key player in their lineup thus far. Luckily, it looks like Ramirez has not suffered a longterm injury and he may even be able to avoid the disabled list.
Granted, even if it isn’t serious, a left shoulder injury isn’t particularly good news for Ramirez. The 31-year old slugger has undergone a number of procedures on that shoulder in the past, including surgery several seasons ago. We’re not out of the woods yet with Ramirez, as the left shoulder is quite possibly the worst place on his body that he could have suffered an otherwise minor injury.
Still, with no structural damage found in the MRI, this is likely the best-case scenario and certainly a better result than what appeared when he crashed into the wall. Even if the Red Sox are forced to place him on the disabled list, it likely would not be a longterm stay and they have a viable replacement in Rusney Castillo. All things considered, the Red Sox won’t be without their star left fielder for too much longer.