Red Sox manager John Farrell said having Ramirez (shoulder) play winter ball not a sure thing, WEEI.com reports.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said having Ramirez (shoulder) play winter ball is not a sure thing, WEEI.com reports.

Analysis:

Farrell said Ramirez, like all the other players on the team, had some specific physical goals to achieve during the offseason, mentioning Ramirez's shoulder, some low-back pain, and getting to an optimum playing weight. The manager wants to be sure those issues have been addressed before the organization gives him the go-ahead to play. As evidence of Ramirez's slimmed-down physique, he posted this image on his Instagram account.