Red Sox decide to dump Hanley Ramirez

Hanley Ramirez was designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox, who are responsible for the $15.25 remaining on his contract but avoided him triggering a $22 million salary for 2019.

Boston made the move Friday to clear a roster spot for All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who was activated from the disabled list and made his season debut against Atlanta after recovering from knee surgery.

"We've been looking at making a move because we knew that this day with Dustin would come," Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski said. "We talked about all different types of possibilities."

Dombrowski said the final call was his to make, but credited manager Alex Cora with the idea, saying the first-year manager told him he wanted to get Mitch Moreland more regular time in the lineup. Dombrowski said the move was less about saving on Ramirez's salary next year than it was about improving this year's team.

Ramirez, 34, hit .254 with six homers and 29 RBI in 44 games this season while splitting his time between first base and designated hitter. He hit .163 with three homers and 12 RBI in May after starting the season with a .330 average, three homers and 17 RBI.

Ramirez signed an $88 million, four-year contract with the Red Sox as a free agent before the 2015 season, and Boston is responsible for the remainder of his contract for this season. The deal contains a $22 million option that would become guaranteed if he has 1,050 plate appearances in 2017-18 combined and passed a physical at the end of the season.

Both of Boston's big free-agent signings ahead of the 2015 season have been designated for assignment. Third baseman Pablo Sandoval was given a $95 million, five-year deal and released last July 19. The Red Sox are responsible for almost all of Sandoval's $18 million salary this year and also owe him $18 million for 2019.

Epstein wouldn't comment on reports that the Cubs could be a landing spot for the slick-fielding slugger. He said there are no trade talks at the moment and Chicago has enough to win the World Series for the second time in three years.

"The simple way to put it is there have been a lot of trade rumors about the Cubs, and there's essentially zero trade talks," Epstein said. "It's my job to clarify there's nothing going on right now."

• Milwaukee demoted slumping shortstop Orlando Arcia to Class AAA Colorado Springs and acquired backup catcher Erik Kratz from the New York Yankees as part of a series of moves. Considered one of the franchise's top young players, the slick-fielding Arcia is hitting .194. Eric Sogard was recalled from Colorado Springs.

• Major League Baseball has extended the administrative leave of Toronto All-Star closer Roberto Osuna through June 4, the third time the initial seven-day period was lengthened.