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Hanley quashes rumors of Ortiz return: 'David's not coming back'

Winslow Townson / Reuters

Position players for the Boston Red Sox reported to spring camp in Florida, and one player who made sure his presence was felt almost immediately was Hanley Ramirez.

Not only did Ramirez hold a mini press conference with reporters, but he made a pretty big announcement on behalf of his close friend David Ortiz.

"David's not coming back: he's home with his family," Ramirez said, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. "Got that, Sox nation? We've got to do it without him."

After Ortiz retired at the end of last season, speculation had been swirling throughout baseball circles about a potential return for Big Papi, who was keeping in shape.

Prior to announcing that Ortiz wouldn't be coming back, Ramirez did mention that if Big Papi were to change his mind about a return to baseball, a major factor would be the pair's close relationship.

Ortiz confirmed his friend's words with a follow-up tweet.

Ramirez will be taking over the full-time designated-hitting duties from Ortiz, arguably the greatest DH of all time, and is excited about trying to recreate the same kind of production his good pal had during his time with the Red Sox.

"He is my mentor. He is my everything," Ramirez said.

Ramirez will have big shoes to fill trying to replace Ortiz, but after the turn-around season the 33-year-old had last year, he may be primed to do so.

2016 stats

PLAYER PA HR RBI OPS WAR
Hanley Ramirez 620 30 111 .866 2.6
David Ortiz 626 38 127 1.021 4.4

Ortiz retired from baseball after 20 big-league seasons where he recorded 541 home runs, 1,768 RBIs, and a career OPS of .931.

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