Ortiz Thinks He'll Play Wednesday; Gonzo To Right?
BOSTON (CBS) – It has been four games since Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz got a start, but he thinks Wednesday night will mark his return to the lineup.
"That's what I hear. I'm pretty excited about it," Ortiz said after Boston's 5-0 loss at the hands of Cliff Lee and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Manager Terry Francona was not so sure though.
"I haven't made the lineup out yet," Francona said when asked if Ortiz would play. "We'll see."
With the Red Sox in the midst of a nine-game National League road trip, Ortiz has been relegated to pinch hitting duties without the luxury of a DH. Ortiz is 0-for-2 with a walk and run scored in the three games he pinch-hit in.
He will take over at first base when re-inserted into the lineup, a position he has not played since last season's interleague play.
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If Ortiz does play first Wednesday night, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez would likely be moved to right field. Although Gonzalez offered to make the move, none of the Red Sox felt very comfortable putting the team's new slugger in a position he has played just once in his career.
Especially second baseman Dustin Pedroia.
"It will be good offensively, but damn, I'm going to have to play second, first and right," said Pedroia on Ortiz playing first and Gonzalez possibly moving to the outfield. "That's a lot of ground to cover. I've got small legs."
Pedroia With WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Jonny Miller
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"I'll have to talk to Tito," Pedroia told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Jonny Miller.
The Red Sox could certainly use Ortiz' bat in the lineup. Papi is hitting .315 in the month of June with five home runs and 21 RBI. The Red Sox have had trouble scoring runs the past five games, highlighted by a two-hit shutout by Lee on Tuesday.
