FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) – Manny Ramirez was given permission by the Boston Red Sox to report to spring training on March 1, six days after the team’s first full-squad workout and one day after Major League Baseball’s mandatory reporting date.

“Manny is in Florida completing an extensive training regimen and is prepared to have an exceptional season,” said a joint statement from Ramirez and the team.

Boston starts its exhibition schedule on March 2 against Minnesota. Ramirez might not be in Fort Myers long – he is on the Dominican Republic’s preliminary roster for the World Baseball Classic.

Ramirez batted .292 with 45 homers and 144 RBIs last year.

. He said during the season he didn’t want to stay with the Red Sox, a statement he’s made in many of his five years with the club.

David Ortiz, also scheduled to play for the Dominican Republic, said Tuesday he had “no idea” whether Ramirez still would play in the WBC, but he’s not concerned about Ramirez missing camp.

“You tell me that he’s not gonna be here for the season, I understand, but this is camp. He knows what he’s gotta do to be ready,” Ortiz said.

On Sunday, Ortiz said Ramirez “seems happy.”

“I read in the news that he wants to stay in Boston,” Ortiz said. “Something like that, right? That’s good. Sounds good to me. Having my man around once again. Hopefully, things never change.”