Farrell back in dugout, Red Sox beat Boston College 6-0

An elderly male usher has been struck by a batted ball from Hanley Ramirez, prompting the Boston Red Sox to halt batting practice at spring training.

That is no guarantee, with the Red Sox already having a deep outfield led by Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Rusney Castillo.

Much has been made about the game speeding up on a player who’s trying to get comfortable at a new position. Signed mainly as insurance and depth in the event that some of the young outfielders aren’t ready to handle everyday roles out of spring, Murphy will receive a $2MM base salary according to the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, should he make the big league roster.

Hall of Famer Joe Cronin played 11 seasons with the Red Sox before retiring in 1945. Red Sox fans will recognize his name from 2007 when the Red Sox traded Murphy to the Rangers as part of a package for closer Eric Gagne. But Ramirez said he can help control that.

“I was trying to anticipate everything”, Ramirez said. He also doubled off the left-field wall and singled in his two at-bats. He was 2-for-2 (infield single) during the first exhibition game of the team’s annual doubleheader against Boston College and Northeastern. “The fact that you’re involved in the game is a really good feeling”.

“We have a plan, ” said Ramirez. He’s repeating his swing. “You put your head down, and you feel sorry for it, but you’ve got to get ready to go”.

Third baseman Pablo Sandoval booted a slow roller on his first defensive opportunity.