Ramirez designated for assignment

Hanley Ramirez was designated for assignment Friday by the Red Sox, who are responsible for the $15.25 million left on his contract but avoided having him trigger a $22 million salary for 2019.

The move was made to clear a roster spot for All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who was activated from the disabled list and due to make his season debut against the Braves after recovering from knee surgery.

“It was a bit of a stunner,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Glad we don’t have to see him because he’s gotten some big hits already against us this year.”

The 34-year-old Ramirez was hitting .254 with six homers and 29 RBIs in 44 games this season while splitting his time between first base and designated hitter. He hit .163 with three homers and 12 RBIs in May after starting the season with a .330 average, three homers and 17 RBIs.

Ramirez signed a four-year, $88 million deal with the Red Sox as a free agent before the 2015 season, and Boston is responsible for the $15,258,065 still owed for this season. The deal contains a $22 million option that would become guaranteed if Ramirez has 1,050 plate appearances in 2017-18 combined and passes a physical at the end of the season. He already had 195 this season, leaving him 302 shy of triggering that provision.

The Red Sox have seven days to trade or release Ramirez. If he is released, he would have no opportunity to trigger the 2019 option.

“(He) still probably has a lot of baseball left in him, and I’m sure there will be a number of teams inquiring about him,” Boone said.

An All-Star with the Marlins from 2008-10, Ramirez hit .260 with 78 homers and 255 RBI in his time with the Red Sox.