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Hanley to have an MRI on left hand

Red Sox left fielder heads to Boston for testing

ST. PETERSBURG -- Hanley Ramirez's seven-game road trip will come to an early conclusion.

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After being hit in the left hand by a batted ball by teammate Xander Bogaerts and making an early exit in Wednesday's game, a hand bruise has sidelined the Red Sox outfielder for the past three games, forcing him to head back to Boston to get an MRI on the injury.

"He's still feeling some discomfort," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "At this time [Monday], we will get a better read on his roster status and if there is anything in addition to what was determined by the CAT scan and the X-ray. Unfortunately, he is not progressing as we anticipated, particularly over the past 24-48 hours."

Ramirez was batting .283 with 15 home runs and 38 RBIs before the injury. In his absence, Alejandro De Aza and Jackie Bradley Jr. should continue to see regular playing time in the outfield.

Worth noting

• Outfielder Daniel Nava, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list May 26 with a left thumb strain, took batting practice Saturday. Farrell said he would like Nava to get two or three more batting practice sessions in before having the veteran start a rehab assignment when the Red Sox return home Wednesday.

• After catching nine innings Saturday for Double-A Portland, catcher Ryan Hanigan (fractured right hand) remains on track to return from the disabled list when eligible Wednesday. Farrell said that Hanigan's return is a "welcomed one," but he will not immediately return to being an everyday catcher, stating there is the possibility that both Blake Swihart and Sandy Leon stick with the club upon his return.

• Outfielder Shane Victorino (left calf strain) played seven innings in right field for Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday and went 1-for-4 at the plate. Slated to play right Sunday for Pawtucket, he moved to the designated hitter spot due to wet field conditions.

Troy Provost-Heron is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Boston Red Sox, Ryan Hanigan, Hanley Ramirez, Shane Victorino, Daniel Nava