The Boston Red Sox have placed slugger Hanley Ramirez on the 15-day disabled list for a right shoulder inflammation.

The Red Sox didn't have to put Ramirez on DL because rosters were expanded at the beginning of the month.

However, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and interim manager Torey Lovullo, said that they made the move to keep the club or Ramirez  from being tempted to rush back to action, reports ESPN. 

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The Red Sox could field Ramirez again as early Friday since the move to put him on DL was made retroactive to Aug. 27.

But Dombrowski emphasized that Ramirez will be out longer to undergo some work on strengthening and treatment that would keep him from playing for a while.

The 31-year-old Ramirez, is batting .249 with 19 homers in his first year with the Red Sox. Since the All-Star break, he is batting .183 with no homers and seven RBIs.

Ramirez, who takes ground balls daily from infield instructor Brian Butterfield, has to observe some restrictions on his  baseball activities while he rehabs.

He is not allowed to hit or throw and could only do glove and footwork in the field.

Ramirez is confident he could return to take on his new position at first base  before the season is over.

He claimed that the Red Sox will be way better team with him at first base, according to a Boston.com report.  

Dombrowski has seen Ramirez play first base on video and believes it was the right move to put him in that position.

He noted that Lovullo even commented that Ramirez is a natural infielder.

Ramirez's absence opened up opportunities in the outfield,which has been filled by Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Rusney Castillo.

The Red Sox will have Betts and Bradley Jr. covering left field while Betts could also be utilized in a corner spot. 

Tagsboston red sox, Hanley Ramirez, Disabled List, Shoulder Inflammation, mlb, MLB Injuries