Ramirez given walking papers

— Hanley Ramirez has Boston been designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox, who are responsible for the $15.25 million remaining on his contract but avoided him triggering a $22 million salary for 2019.

Boston made the move Friday to clear a roster spot for All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who was activated from the disabled list and after recovering from knee surgery.

“We’ve been looking at making a move because we knew that this day with Dustin would come,” Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Friday prior to a game against Atlanta. “We talked about all different types of possibilities.”

Dombrowski said the final call was his to make, but credited manager Alex Cora with the idea, saying the first-year manager told him he wanted to get Mitch Moreland more regular time in the lineup. Dombrowski said the move was less about saving on Ramirez’s salary next year than it was about improving this year’s team.

“It is unusual, but it’s an unusual situation. Our club is quite deep. We really do like Mitch Moreland a lot,” Dombrowski said. “We’re in a situation where basically we’re trying to do everything we possibly can to win, so that (Ramirez’s 2019 salary) would not be an obstacle in that regard.”

Although Pedroia wasn’t in the lineup Friday, Dombrowski said it made the most sense to solidify the right side of the infield and part ways with Ramirez rather than expect him to take on a more limited role.

“I think everybody acknowledges that we are a better defensive club when Mitch is in there,” Dombrowski said. “We just didn’t see the role that would be there as more of a support person as one that fits Hanley well.”

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.

Moreland, who is battling .311 with seven homers and 22 RBIs despite playing in 10 fewer games than Ramirez, will be the regular first baseman with J.D. Martinez, batting .328 with 15 homers and 41 RBIs, at DH. Dombrowski said the move also frees up space to platoon Blake Swihart, who had asked to be moved if he wasn’t going to be used more, at first base, catcher or DH.