CLEVELAND -- Both Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval were expensive disappointments for the 2015 Red Sox.

Ramirez was an outright disaster in the outfield, seemingly unwilling to commit to the necessary work after spring training. He then was limited in the second half by shoulder woes and underperformed offensively.

As for Sandoval, he had a poor season at the plate and slipped in the field.

If both are back next season, the Red Sox have sent a message that they want both players to return weighing less.

Ramirez bulked up a great deal last winter, feeling that he could afford to do so in the outfield while aiding him at the plate.

Now, they want a more streamlined Ramirez.

"It has been discussed,” said interim manager Torey Lovullo. "It was outlined in his exit physical. He needs to come in at a certain weight. That's our expectation. I think (we asked him to come back) at 15 pounds, 15-20 pounds lighter, is what was asked of him.”

Lovullo said a smaller frame will allow Ramirez "to stay healthy, (place) less stress on the body. All from a health standpoint, all for getting through a season and not having those aches and pains a big body has. We all know that when he carries extra weight, it puts more stress on your joints.”

The Sox also think the loss of weight will enable Ramirez to be more athletic, especially as he shifts to first base.

"To be an infielder, you have to be a little more agile,” Lovullo said. "So that's another reason why.”

Lovullo stressed that the team wasn't "picking on” Ramirez, whom he admitted can be "an easy target.”

"These are all very common conversations that we have with guys,” said Lovullo. "We set up goals for what you need to look like when you come to spring training, so please don't make it sound like we're picking on him. That's not the case. We're trying to do the best thing for Hanley and this is what we've outlined.”

Lovullo said the Sox also want Sandoval in better condition. Sandoval has battled weight issues for his entire major league career.

“We are keeping an eye on our athletes,” said Lovullo. "We don't just let them go home and do nothing. They are on a program that they're expected to follow. That's part of being a Boston Red Sox -- you come to spring training ready to go.”