Hanley Ramirez day-to-day with left shoulder strain

Hanley Ramirez departed Monday's Red Sox game with what is being called a left shoulder strain. While attempting to make a play down the left field line, Ramirez crashed into the left field wall and was taken out of the game.

Afterward, manager John Farrell said that the injury is only day-to-day at this point and a disabled-list stint may not be required:

Farrell: Hanley Ramirez is "day to day" with shoulder sprain. Not a "clear-cut DL" situation, based on team's evaluation.

— Brian MacPherson (@brianmacp) May 5, 2015

There is cause for concern however, because Ramirez has injured the same shoulder in the past.

HanRam is a big deal for the Red Sox

The 31-year-old has gotten off to a great start with the Red Sox. He signed a four-year, $88 million contract with Boston during the offseason.

So far it is looking like a good investment for the team. In his first 103 at-bats, Ramirez has a .283/.340/.609 line with 10 HRs and 22 RBIs. His defense in the outfield has left more than desired, but his bat has provided a middle of the order threat. Combined with Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz and Pablo Sandoval, the 2015 Red Sox have put together the 7th-best scoring offense in the game.

Can the Red Sox absorb Hanley's absence?

For the immediate future, the Red Sox have enough outfield depth to allow Ramirez a couple of days off, with both Allen Craig and Daniel Nava with the big league team.

If a DL stint is required, the Red Sox have two big options in the minor leagues, supposedly ready to go. Top prospects Rusney Castillo and Jackie Bradley Jr. are getting more Triple-A experience, waiting for the call to the show. Castillo signed a seven-year, $72 million contract.

The 27-year-old did get 36 major league at-bats last year, hitting .333 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs. While not looking so serious, the Red Sox have put themselves in a good position to be able to weather any short or long term outfield injuries, even with Shane Victorino already on the disabled list.