BOSTON -- The Red Sox have shut down Hanley Ramirez for the remainder of the season, interim manager Torey Lovullo announced Thursday at Fenway Park.
Ramirez, who has been on the disabled list with a right shoulder issue, was in the process of transitioning to first base from left field. He never appeared in a game, however, as the inflammation continued to be an issue.
"His effort, focus and interest [in playing first base] never, ever wavered," Lovullo said. "The shoulder did not respond."
While the experiment of moving Ramirez, who struggled mightily in the outfield in his first season in Boston, to first base has hit a snag, the organization remains committed to the transition.
"I think he will be able to play the position," president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said, not long after having a meeting with Ramirez and Lovullo to map out a plan to reignite the operation in February.
Dombrowski said that while Ramirez was unable to make the necessary throws at first base because of the shoulder pain, he got in plenty of work around the bag and showed promising footwork, a critical component to the job.
"He's an infielder," Dombrowski added.
That will give Ramirez a leg up when third-base coach Brian Butterfield and the rest of the coaching staff begins what Lovullo called an intense period of infield preparation next winter in Florida. The organization remains confident that six-plus weeks in Fort Myers will be enough for Ramirez to adjust to the role, though Dombrowski said he is prepared to deal with growing pains.
Lovullo said the shoulder likely will not require surgery and that Ramirez will rest and rehabilitate. The 31-year-old finishes his first full season with the Red Sox with a .249 average, 19 home runs and 53 RBIs in 105 games. His .717 OPS is the second-lowest mark of his career, behind an injury-marred campaign with the Florida Marlins in 2011.
Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who has missed six of the past seven games, is dealing with a bout of pneumonia. Lovullo said he will be re-evaluated Saturday.
The manager would not commit to shutting down Sandoval for the season but said it will be tough to get him back to a point where he can play before the year ends.