Hanley Ramirez is back in left field Friday night, but now, at least, it's just a matter of time.
Ramirez'...occupation of left field these past few months has been quite the sore spot for many Red Sox fans, myself included. And, yes, much of what made it such a sore spot remains an issue even now. Jackie Bradley Jr. is out of the lineup tonight, and he's out because Hanley Ramirez is in, simple as that. With David Ortiz at first base, Travis Shaw is also missing out. Really, it's a misappropriation of playing time given what's important.
But it's not going to last forever, we at least know that now. The Red Sox agree that Hanley Ramirez, left fielder, is not a concept that can be allowed to last into 2016 and beyond. And if that doesn't address all the points that make this a problem for the last month of 2015, at the very least it addresses the biggest one. The rest can be endured.
First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. ET with broadcasts on NESN, WEEI, and the MLB Network.
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