Hanley Ramirez,Josh Edgin

Boston Red Sox's Hanley Ramirez, right, doubles off New York Mets pitcher Josh Edgin, left, in the seventh inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla., Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. New York won 3-2. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

(David Goldman)

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Hanley Ramirez's shoulder soreness might keep from participating in the World Baseball Classic.

The Red Sox slugger hasn't been able to throw full strength yet this spring because of lingering tightness from an increased workload lifting weights this offseason.

The Red Sox have kept Ramirez's throws short and controlled while ramping him up so he has yet to play in a game at first base.

The 33-year-old is scheduled to leave Red Sox camp on Friday to join the Dominican team in Miami for the first round of the WBC, but now it's uncertain if he will even report.

"I don't know," Ramirez said. "(Manager) John (Farrell) told me we'll talk about it and what's the best thing for me and the team. So let's see what happens."

Ramirez said even if he does make the the trip, he isn't ready to play first base yet.

The shoulder stiffness isn't serious enough for a cortisone shot or an MRI, but the team wants to progress slowly.

While Ramirez wants to play in the WBC, he doesn't want to jeopardize his season with the Red Sox.

"We've got a good season ahead of us so I don't want to miss that," he said. "That's what we're here for."

"We're taking everything slowly it's a long spring training," he added.

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