Red Sox release Ramirez; Betts to DL
Houston — The Boston Red Sox have released Hanley Ramirez, a week after designating him for assignment.
The AL East leaders made the move before playing at Houston on Friday night. The Red Sox are responsible for the $14.4 million remaining on his contract, but the move avoids Ramirez triggering a $22 million salary for 2019.
Ramirez was designated for assignment on May 25, when there was still $15.25 million left, to make room on the roster for second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who was activated from the disabled list after recovering from knee surgery.
Ramirez hit .254 with six homers and 29 RBIs in 44 games this season as a designated hitter and first baseman. He struggled in May, batting just .163 with three homers and 12 RBIs.
The 34-year-old signed a fouryear, $88 million contract before the 2015 season.
• The Red Sox put major league batting leader Mookie Betts on the 10-day disabled list because of a left abdominal strain.
The Red Sox made the move retroactive to Tuesday. The AL East leaders will make a corresponding roster move before Saturday's game at Houston.
The 25-year-old right fielder is hitting .359 and also has scored a majors-most 52 runs. He ranks among the leaders with 17 home runs, 37 RBIs and 13 steals.
Betts didn't play Thursday night in the series opener against the Astros, the fifth straight game he'd missed because of soreness on his left side. Manager Alex Cora had said he didn't think Betts would need to go on the DL, and had hoped to have him in the lineup before the series ends Sunday.