Papi Returns To Red Sox Lineup, Batting Fifth
BOSTON (CBS) - David Ortiz is back in the Red Sox lineup.
The Red Sox designated hitter will bat fifth Wednesday night against the Texas Rangers after missing the last nine games with bursitis in his right heel.
Ortiz ran in the outfield on Tuesday and received medical clearance to return to action. The 35-year-old has been a force in the Red Sox offense this season, leading the team with 24 home runs while driving in 79 runs.
With Ortiz batting fifth, second baseman Dustin Pedroia will remain at cleanup for Boston.
Josh Beckett (10-5, 2.46) gets the start for the Red Sox, meaning Jason Varitek will be behind the plate. Beckett is opposed by the Rangers Matt Harrison (10-8, 3.28), who went seven innings allowing just one run and striking out eight against Boston in April.
Here is the rest of the Red Sox lineup:
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Marco Scutaro, SS
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Jed Lowrie, 3B
Carl Crawford, LF
Jason Varitek, C
Darnell McDonald, RF
