Red Sox DH can't avoid shoulder operation

(Photo: Brian Blanco/Getty Images)

Eric D. Schabell
Contributing Writer

Hanley Ramirez, the Red Sox 2017 designated hitter due to shoulder problems that were not going to require surgery, had his left shoulder operated on today.

He was held to just 18 games at first base and spent most of the season under performing as the Red Sox DH, finishing 2017 with a career low .242 AVG, a .750 OPS, and just 23 HR over 133 games.

Ramirez is pulling out all the stops after a disappointing season, hoping not to have to take the same exit from Fenway Park as Pablo Sandoval.

Towards the end of the season, Ramirez tried to convince Red Sox Nation that surgery would not be needed as he was committed to changing his workouts to incorporate Brady bands.

This was just minutes after he said he wasn't having off-season surgery. The Brady bands will have to wait pic.twitter.com/G7cXZahsmR
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) October 17, 2017

The hope is that surgery allows Ramirez to return to the field at 100% for 2018, as the Red Sox sorely need a power bat in the line-up. This means he needs to field a position at first base on a regular basis to make room for what surely will be an off season upgrade at the DH position.

For now, Ramirez has a lot to contemplate while finding his motivation for turning it around in 2018.

Hi my people, went in for left shoulder surgery today, keep me in prayers. Coming back stronger in ‘18, love you all #RedSoxNation @RedSox pic.twitter.com/axDr10BB5x
— Hanley Ramirez ⚾️ (@HanleyRamirez) October 17, 2017

Looking closely it seems Dr. Andrews (see sign on bed) was attending surgeon for this operation.

The Red Sox need a highly motivated and healthy Ramirez, let's hope a healthy shoulder makes the difference in 2018.

Post a comment or via twitter @erics_redsox with your thoughts.

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