Red Sox | Francona shuffles batting order for Sunday's game

Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona shuffled his team's batting order Sunday, May 31, against the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. 2B Dustin Pedroia was moved from second in the order to leadoff, while OF Jacoby Ellsbury was dropped from first to eighth. OF J.D. Drew was moved from third to second, followed by 1B Kevin Youkilis, OF Jason Bay and 3B Mike Lowell. DH David Ortiz remained in the sixth spot for the sixth consecutive game. C Jason Varitek batted seventh, followed by Ellsbury and SS Nick Green. Francona was unsure before Sunday's game if the changes would remain in effect for their game Tuesday, June 2, against the Detroit Tigers.

Red Sox | Struggles continue for Ortiz

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Saturday, May 30. His batting average is not .185.

Red Sox | Ortiz hitless again Friday

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz went 0-for-4 Friday, May 29, to drop his average to .189 this year.

3 Up: Mattingly And Being Captain

Yes, I am on twitter

1. My friend Jayson Stark wrote a terrific piece in his weekly Rumblings and Grumblings column in which he examines how a manager has to handle a struggling veteran to whom the manager has great loyalty/affinity. The case studies were Terry Francona with David Ortiz and Charlie Manuel with Jamie Moyer. The piece does a wonderful job of delving the thoughts of the two managers and how they cannot be talk radio callers and have to manage not only the issue, but the person and what this means to a team. These really are human beings involved.

I saw this first-hand in July 1994 (my next-to-last year covering the Yankees as a beat for this paper) when Buck Showalter could not deny the obvious any longer and had to drop Don Mattingly in the lineup and make Paul O'Neill the No. 3 hitter. I remember how much it weighed on Showalter to make that decision, especially because Mattingly was as respected/beloved a teammate as anyone. In fact, no one on the entire Yankee team felt stronger about Mattingly than O'Neill.

Ortiz batting sixth

David Ortiz has been dropped to sixth in the batting order for today's game at Minnesota, according to the Boston Globe. He will hit between Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek.

Our View: Ortiz is gravely struggling with a .193 batting average, and only has one hit over his last 19 at-bats, with nine strikeouts over the span. Perhaps dropping him in the order will put less pressure on him to produce.

Red Sox | Ortiz hitless Wednesday

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz went 0-for-4 in the sixth spot Wednesday, May 27, to drop his average to .193.

Ortiz went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the Red Sox' loss to

Ortiz went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the Red Sox' loss to the Twins Wednesday. [...]

Hitting out of the sixth spot again, David Ortiz was 0-for-4

Hitting out of the sixth spot again, David Ortiz was 0-for-4 with a strikeout against the Twins on Wednesday. He now has one hit in his last five games and 43 strikeouts in 161 at-bats this season. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz still in sixth spot

Nick Cafardo, of The Boston Globe, reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz is hitting in the No. 6 spot in the batting order for the second straight day Wednesday, May 27, with OF J.D. Drew in the No. 3 spot.

David Ortiz is hitting sixth for a second consecutive game on

David Ortiz is hitting sixth for a second consecutive game on Wednesday. He went 1-for-3 with a walk in his first game in the six hole. JD. [...]

Red Sox | Drew hitting third

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox OF J.D. Drew is hitting third with DH David Ortiz hitting lower in the order.

Dropped to the sixth spot in the order on Tuesday, David Ortiz

Dropped to the sixth spot in the order on Tuesday, David Ortiz went 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout. Ortiz hit a double in his first at-bat out of the No. [...]

Ortiz moved to sixth in the order and went 1-for-3 with a double

Ortiz moved to sixth in the order and went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk in Tuesday's loss to the Twins. [...]

Big Papi dropped to No. 6 in Boston batting order

David Ortiz has been dropped down three spots in the Red Sox' batting order as the slumping Boston designated hitter tries to get back on track.

Sox bump slumping Ortiz to 6th in batting order

David Ortiz has been dropped to sixth in Boston's batting order.

The Boston Globe reports that Red Sox DH David Ortiz will hit

News: The Boston Globe reports that Red Sox DH David Ortiz will hit sixth in Tuesday's game against the Twins. [...]

David Ortiz has been dropped down to the sixth spot in the order

David Ortiz has been dropped down to the sixth spot in the order against the Twins on Tuesday. Manager Terry Francona is obviously hoping that hitting further down in the order will help shake Ortiz out of his slump, and the struggling DH told a reporter that he'd talk to the media "After I go deep tonight. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz dropped to sixth in lineup

Chad Finn, of The Boston Globe, reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz is hitting No. 6 in the batting order Tuesday, May 26. OF J.D. Drew has been moved up to replace Ortiz in the No. 3 spot.

Red Sox | Ortiz likely to be dropped in batting order

Michael Silverman and Sean McAdam, of the Boston Herald, report Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz is likely to be moved down in the team's batting order because of his season-long slump. He will likely be put in either the No. 5 or 6 spot Tuesday, May 26. Ortiz is hitting just .195 with one home run this year.

Red Sox | Ortiz returning to lineup against righties

The Boston Globe's Amalie Benjamin reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz will play the next three games with righties on the mound.

David Ortiz will return to the lineup with righties on the mound

David Ortiz will return to the lineup with righties on the mound for the next three games against the Twins. But where he hits in the lineup? That's anybody's guess at this point. [...]

David Ortiz will return to the lineup with righties on the mound

David Ortiz will return to the lineup with righties on the mound for the next three games against the Twins. But where he hits in the lineup? That's anybody's guess at this point. [...]

Ortiz expected to return

David Ortiz is expected to return to the lineup tonight at Minnesota after being held out Monday, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View: It is uncertain where he will hit in the batting order. He is struggling with a dismal .195 average over 40 games, with 41 strikeouts. He only launched one homer so far as well. That is the reason he rode the pine yesterday.

Ortiz was not in Monday's lineup because the Red Sox were facing

Ortiz was not in Monday's lineup because the Red Sox were facing the left-handed Francisco Liriano, the Providence Journal reports. [...]

Youkilis hits third for Sox

Kevin Youkilis went 2-for-5 with two doubles while hitting out of the three-hole in Monday's 6-5 win over the Twins. David Ortiz, the usual No. 3 hitter, got the day off against left-hander Francisco Liriano.

Our View: Since coming off the DL, Youk has eight hits and eight RBI over six games. He is hitting a stellar .384/.493/.688 on the season. He would seem like the top choice to hit third in the lineup if Ortiz is ever given a new spot in the order.

Youkilis hits third for Sox

Kevin Youkilis went 2-for-5 with two doubles while hitting out of the three-hole in Monday's 6-5 win over the Twins. David Ortiz, the usual No. 3 hitter, got the day off against left-hander Francisco Liriano.

Our View: Since coming off the DL, Youk has eight hits and eight RBI over six games. He is hitting a stellar .384/.493/.688 on the season.

Struggling Ortiz on bench for Sox vs. Twins lefty

David Ortiz's possible drop in the Red Sox lineup has been delayed.

Red Sox DH David Ortiz was not in Boston's lineup for their

News: Red Sox DH David Ortiz was not in Boston's lineup for their Memorial Day game at Minnesota. The Boston Globe reports that manager Terry Francona simply gave the struggling Ortiz a day off with stud pitcher Francisco Liriano pitching. 3B Mike Lowell was the DH on Monday, while Ortiz will return to the lineup Tuesday. [...]

Red Sox DH David Ortiz was not in Boston's lineup for their

News: Red Sox DH David Ortiz was not in Boston's lineup for their Memorial Day game at Minnesota. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz out of lineup Monday

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz is not in the lineup Monday, May 25.

David Ortiz is not in the lineup Saturday against the Twins.

David Ortiz is not in the lineup Saturday against the Twins. Jeff Bailey is manning first base, with Kevin Youkilis sliding to third and Mike Lowell acting as the DH. [...]

David Ortiz is not in the lineup Saturday as the Red Sox kick

David Ortiz is not in the lineup Saturday as the Red Sox kick off a series with the Twins. Jeff Bailey is manning first base with Kevin Youkilis sliding to third and Mike Lowell acting as the DH. [...]

David Ortiz was held out of the lineup Saturday as the Red Sox

David Ortiz was held out of the lineup Saturday as the Red Sox kicked off a series with the Twins. Jeff Bailey is manning first base with Kevin Youkilis sliding to third and Mike Lowell acting as the DH. [...]

Ortiz is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins,

Ortiz is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins, the Boston Globe reports. [...]

David Ortiz may be dropped from the third spot in the Boston

David Ortiz may be dropped from the third spot in the Boston batting order if his slump continues. That would seem to make sense. Big Papi is batting . [...]

David Ortiz may be dropped from the third spot in the Boston

David Ortiz may be dropped from the third spot in the Boston batting order if his slump continues. That would seem to make sense. Big Papi is batting . [...]

The Red Sox are contemplating dropping Ortiz in the batting

The Red Sox are contemplating dropping Ortiz in the batting order, perhaps as early as Monday, the Associated Press reports. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz hitless again, may be moved down lineup

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz went 0-for-5 to drop his average for the season to .195 Sunday, May 24. Speculation is Ortiz could be moved further down in the lineup.

Big Papi has been Boston's primary No. 3 hitter since 2006,

Big Papi has been Boston's primary No. 3 hitter since 2006, and he hit from the third spot for parts of the '04 and '05 seasons. After going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts on Sunday -- leaving eight runners on base in the process -- Ortiz is batting .195 with one home run and 18 RBIs. Although he wants no part of moving out the spot, hitting coach Dave Magadan said moving him lower in the order is something the Red Sox coaches will discuss. A move would obviously have an effect on his RBI opportunities, so stay tuned to see if Ortiz finds himself in another spot in the order.

Ortiz was the only starter without a hit, going 0-5 with two

Ortiz was the only starter without a hit, going 0-5 with two strikeouts, in Sunday's 12-5 win over the New York Mets. [...]

David Oritz might be dropped from third in Boston's batting

News: David Oritz might be dropped from third in Boston's batting order. Red Sox hitting coach Dave Magadan said after a 12-5 win over the Mets on Sunday the team is probably going to talk about making the switch on the flight to Minnesota. Boston plays the Twins Monday afternoon. Ortiz went 0-for-5 and left eight runners on base Sunday against the Mets and was 0-for-12 over for the three-game series, dropping his average to .195. [...]

Red Sox considering dropping Big Papi in order

David Ortiz might be dropped from the third spot in Boston's batting order.

Since hitting his first homer of the season on Wednesday, Ortiz

Since hitting his first homer of the season on Wednesday, Ortiz has gone 1-for-8 with one RBI, no walks and three strikeouts. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz hitless Friday

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts Friday, May 22. He is 1-for-8 in two games since hitting his first home run of the year.

David Ortiz hit his first home run of the season in a win over

David Ortiz hit his first home run of the season in a win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday night. Finally. Ortiz launched a Brett Cecil offering deep over the fence in center for a two-run homer. [...]

Ortiz broke his homerless streak Wednesday night, belting a

Ortiz broke his homerless streak Wednesday night, belting a two-run homer in the fifth inning of Boston's victory over Toronto at Fenway. [...]

Ortiz broke his homer-less streak Wednesday night, belting a

Ortiz broke his homer-less streak Wednesday night, belting a two-run homer in the fifth inning of Boston's victory over Toronto. [...]

Red Sox | Big Papi ends homerless drought

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz hit his first home run in 149 at-bats this year Wednesday, May 20. It was the longest homerless drought of his career.

David Ortiz's record homerless streak is over. The Red Sox designated

News: David Ortiz's record homerless streak is over. The Red Sox designated hitter hit a two-run homer to straightaway center in the fifth inning Wednesday night against Toronto, his first home run in 149 at-bats - the longest drought of his career - including 135 this season. Ortiz grounded weakly to first base and struck out on three pitches in his previous two at-bats against the Blue Jays, dropping his batting average to .200. Then he hit a two-run homer off Brett Cecil, one of four homers Boston had off the rookie in the fifth. After crossing the plate, Ortiz was hugged by Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis, then paused and clapped his hands once. In the dugout, he was embraced by manager Terry Francona before stepping out of the dugout and waving his upraised left arm to the cheering fans. [...]

Ortiz ends 149 at-bat homerless drought

David Ortiz's record homerless streak is over.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona told WEEI in Boston that he believes

Red Sox manager Terry Francona told WEEI in Boston that he believes David Ortiz is close to exploding out of his early-season slump. "Even not-so-great players get hot," said Francona. [...]

Red Sox manager Terry Francona told WEEI in Boston that he believes

Red Sox manager Terry Francona told WEEI in Boston that he believes David Ortiz is close to exploding out of his early-season slump. "Even not-so-great players get hot," said Francona. [...]

Red Sox manager Terry Francona told WEEI in Boston that he believes

Red Sox manager Terry Francona told WEEI in Boston that he believes David Ortiz is close to exploding out of his early-season slump. "Even not-so-great players get hot," said Francona. [...]

David Ortiz went hitless in his return to the Boston lineup

News: David Ortiz went hitless in his return to the Boston lineup on Tuesday in a 2-1 win over the Blue Jays. Ortiz, who got a weekend off to try to snap out of a slump, returned to the lineup but went 0-for-3 with a walk and saw his batting average drop to .203. [...]

Despite his slumping ways, Ortiz was right back in the No. 3

Despite his slumping ways, Ortiz was right back in the No. 3 spot in the batting order. Manager Terry Francona doesn't feel this is the time to move Ortiz, who was batting .208 with no homers and 15 RBIs entering Tuesday. "I actually didn't," Francona said. "If I said I hadn't thought about the lineup, that's not true. But I knew all along I really didn't [want to move Ortiz]. David and I talked about that a little bit." Until Ortiz starts showing some degree of life at the plate, keep him stashed away.

David Ortiz was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in a win over the

David Ortiz was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in a win over the Blue Jays on Tuesday night. It was his first game since last Thursday against the Angels and the rest didn't seem to help. [...]

Wakefield shuts down first-place Blue Jays

David Ortiz went hitless in his return to the Boston lineup, and the Red Sox got their offense from the bottom of the order instead Tuesday night to help Tim Wakefield beat the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays 2-1.

Ortiz is back in the lineup and batting third for the Red Sox

Ortiz is back in the lineup and batting third for the Red Sox on Tuesday night, the Boston Globe reports. [...]

David Ortiz is back in the Red Sox lineup for Tuesday's game

News: David Ortiz is back in the Red Sox lineup for Tuesday's game against Toronto. He was listed as the designated hitter, batting third. Ortiz skipped the weekend series against the Seattle Mariners to clear his head and try to snap out of his slump. He is batting .208 and has yet to hit a homer in 158 plate appearances this season. [...]

Ortiz back in the lineup for Red Sox

David Ortiz is back in the Red Sox lineup.

David Ortiz is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing the

David Ortiz is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing the entire weekend. Red Sox manager Terry Francona is hoping the time off will help Big Papi break out of his early-season slump. [...]

David Ortiz is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing the

David Ortiz is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing the entire weekend. Red Sox manager Terry Francona is hoping the time off will help break Big Papi out of his early-season slump. [...]

David Ortiz is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing the

David Ortiz is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing the entire weekend with a minor wrist injury. Red Sox manager Terry Francona is hoping the time off will help break Big Papi out of his early-season slump. [...]

Ortiz, who sat out the series in Seattle over the weekend, is

Ortiz, who sat out the series in Seattle over the weekend, is expected to be in the lineup Tuesday night against the Blue Jays, the Red Sox' official site reports. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz set to return Tuesday

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz is set to return to the lineup Tuesday, May 19, after taking the weekend off while mired in a big slump. Ortiz will be back in his customary No. 3 spot in the order.

Big Papi's big hiatus is coming to an end. David Ortiz completed

News: Big Papi's big hiatus is coming to an end. David Ortiz completed his weekend off, staying out of Boston's lineup for the third consecutive day Sunday as the Red Sox finished their last West Coast swing of the season with a 3-2 loss to the Mariners. The plan is for the struggling power hitter - who is batting .208 and has yet to hit a home run in 158 plate appearances this season - to spend Boston's off day resting before he returns Tuesday when the Red Sox host AL East-leading Toronto for a three-game series. But will Ortiz be back in his customary No. 3 spot in the lineup? "I don't know," said manager Terry Francona, never one to reveal lineups ahead of time. "I want to talk to him first. I've left him be." On Friday, Francona said he didn't consider moving Ortiz down much before opting to let him to take "a deep breath" on the bench instead. The manager said such a move causes an unwanted chain reaction throughout the lineup. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz will not play Sunday

Adam Kilgore, of the Boston Globe, reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz will not play Sunday, May 17.

The Boston Herald reports that slumping slugger David Ortiz

News: The Boston Herald reports that slumping slugger David Ortiz will not play again until the Red Sox return to Boston Tuesday. Manager Terry Francona hopes that a mental break will allow him to come out of the worst slump of his career. "Sometimes stepping back can help," Francona said. "Maybe I'm too late in doing this. I hope not. I just think he needs to take a deep breath. Even when he's struggling, we love his presence. This is the time to take a step back, take a deep breath, and help us in the long run." [...]

Ortiz will get the remainder of Boston's road trip off to clear

Ortiz will get the remainder of Boston's road trip off to clear his head and work on his approach on the side, the Boston Herald reports. [...]

Suzuki's two HRs rally M's past Boston 5-4

Ichiro Suzuki hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning and connected twice overall, and the Seattle Mariners rallied from four runs down to beat the Boston Red Sox, playing without a benched David Ortiz, 5-4 on Friday night.

David Ortiz will not play again until Tuesday at the earliest,

David Ortiz will not play again until Tuesday at the earliest, according to manager Terry Francona. The Sox are hoping the mental break will help Ortiz out of his season-long slump. [...]

Consider this a mental health day. It's just Ortiz's second

Consider this a mental health day. It's just Ortiz's second day off this season, and Red Sox manager Terry Francona described it as an opportunity for Big Papi to "take a deep breath." The plan is to let Ortiz sit back and relax for a day or two, work back into a successful game or two and let his confidence and hopefully his season build up once again. Francona also said that Ortiz has been working overtime with hitting coach Dave Magadan to figure out what might be wrong mechanically. Rocco Baldelli got the start at DH in Papi's stead.

Slumping slugger David Ortiz has finally been benched. Ortiz

News: Slumping slugger David Ortiz has finally been benched. Ortiz was left out of the lineup for Boston's series opener at Seattle on Friday night, a day after he went 0-for-7 and stranded 12 base runners - tying a team record - in an extra-inning loss at the Angels. Ortiz is batting .208 without a home run. Red Sox manager Terry Francona said the No. 3 hitter in his lineup may be out a couple of days. J.D. Drew batted third Friday night. Rocco Baldelli took Ortiz's place as designated hitter. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz may receive a couple of days off

Updating a previous report, The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz may be out of the lineup a couple of days, according to manager Terry Francona. Ortiz was left out of the lineup Friday, May 15. OF Rocco Baldelli took Ortiz's place at designated hitter while OF J.D. Drew was batting third.

Red Sox | Ortiz may receive a few days off

Updating a previous report, The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz may be out of the lineup a few days, according to manager Terry Francona. Ortiz was left out of the lineup Friday, May 15. OF Rocco Baldelli took Ortiz's place at designated hitter while OF J.D. Drew was batting third.

Ortiz is not in Friday's lineup against the Mariners, the Boston

Ortiz is not in Friday's lineup against the Mariners, the Boston Globe reports. [...]

Red Sox bench Ortiz

Slumping slugger David Ortiz has finally been benched.

David Ortiz is out of Boston's lineup Friday. Manager Terry

David Ortiz is out of Boston's lineup Friday. Manager Terry Francona will disclose the situation with media shortly. Perhaps Ortiz's 12 men left-on-base Thursday has something to do with it, or perhaps Big Papi is still bothered by being hit on the wrist by a pitch Tuesday. [...]

David Ortiz, That Guy’s Struggling

David Ortiz: After an 0-for-7 clunker yesterday in which he left 12 men on base, the rotund Red Sox slugger is batting .208. He’s struck out 30 times and has just 15 RBI in 33 games. When the media approached him, he said, “I’m sorry, guys. I don’t feel like talking right now. Just put

Red Sox | Ortiz given Friday off

Sean McAdam, of the Boston Herald, reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz will be given the night off Friday, May 15. Manager Terry Francona may consider dropping Ortiz in the batting order to help him come out of his slump.

Red Sox | Big Papi: I stink

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz went 0-for-7 and stranded 12 runners as his average plummeted to .208 Thursday, May 14, against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ortiz dressed slowly after the game while facing his corner locker, then turned around and saw a swarm of reporters surrounding him. "Sorry, guys. I don't feel like talking today. Just put down, Papi stinks," Ortiz told them.

Boston DH Ortiz went 0-for-7 and stranded 12 runners -- tying

News: Boston DH Ortiz went 0-for-7 and stranded 12 runners -- tying Trot Nixon's team record -- as his average plummeted to .208 on Thursday against the Angels. The five-time All-Star dressed slowly while facing his corner locker, then turned around and saw a swarm of reporters surrounding him before saying: "Sorry, guys. I don't feel like talking today. Just put down, 'Papi stinks.'" Ortiz struck out three times -- once with the bases loaded in the fourth -- and left the bases loaded again in the 12th against Jason Bulger (1-1) with a dribbler in front of the plate. [...]

Hitting with a total of 12 men on base, David Ortiz went 0-for-7

Hitting with a total of 12 men on base, David Ortiz went 0-for-7 with three strikeouts in Thursday's loss. Maybe this will finally be the end of Ortiz as a No. [...]

Ortiz went 0-for-7 and left 11 men on base during Thursday's

Ortiz went 0-for-7 and left 11 men on base during Thursday's loss to the Angels. [...]

Hitting with a total of 11 men on base, David Ortiz went 0-for-7

Hitting with a total of 11 men on base, David Ortiz went 0-for-7 with three strikeouts in Thursday's loss. Maybe this will finally be the end of Ortiz as a No. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz nearing dubious milestone

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz was 1-for-4 Wednesday, May 13, against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He has gone 137 at-bats since his last home run Sept. 22, 2008. He is eight at-bats away from equaling his longest dry spell at any point of a season during his big league career.

David Ortiz was 1-for-4 in a loss to the Angels on Wednesday

David Ortiz was 1-for-4 in a loss to the Angels on Wednesday night. Ortiz was back in the lineup on Wednesday after taking a pitch off his wrist on Tuesday. [...]

David Ortiz is in the starting lineup Wednesday after taking

David Ortiz is in the starting lineup Wednesday after taking a pitch off his wrist in Tuesday's game. Ortiz says he has no lasting effects from the incident. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz to be in lineup Wednesday

Ian Browne, of MLB.com, reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz (wrist) will be in the lineup Wednesday, May 13, after being hit in the wrist by a pitch Tuesday, May 12.

Ortiz, who was hit on the wrist during Tuesday night's victory

Ortiz, who was hit on the wrist during Tuesday night's victory over the Angels, said he will play Wednesday night, the Boston Herald reports. [...]

The Boston Globe reports that Red Sox DH David Ortiz, who was

News: The Boston Globe reports that Red Sox DH David Ortiz, who was hit on the wrist by a pitch Tuesday, should not miss any time. "I'm all right," Ortiz said. "A little sore, but it's OK." [...]

Despite taking a pitch off the wrist Tuesday night, David Ortiz

Despite taking a pitch off the wrist Tuesday night, David Ortiz doesn't anticipate missing any time. Oritz explained the situation to reporters after the game: "It was bad luck, and I’ll tell you why. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz shocked by Ramirez suspension

The Associated Press reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz was shocked at the 50-game suspension handed down to Los Angeles Dodgers OF Manny Ramirez for use of performance enhancers. "This situation has shocked me. That's not the guy that I know," Ortiz said. "The only thing I know about him is that he's a guy who works hard every day and gets prepared to play the game."

Ortiz was hit on the left wrist to deliver the game-tying run

Ortiz was hit on the left wrist to deliver the game-tying run on Tuesday against the Angels. [...]

David Ortiz says Ramirez's suspension shocked him

David Ortiz was "shocked" when he learned about former teammate Manny Ramirez's 50-game suspension after he failed a drug test. "This situation has shocked me. That's not the guy that I know," the Boston Red Sox designated hitter said before Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels. "The only thing I know about him is that he's a guy who works hard every day and gets prepared to play the game."

Big Papi sounds off on Manny

David Ortiz was "shocked" when he learned about former teammate Manny Ramirez's 50-game suspension after he failed a drug test.

Big Papi sounds off on Manny

David Ortiz says he was "shocked" when he learned about former teammate Manny Ramirez's 50-game suspension after he failed a drug test.

Red Sox | Ortiz still looking for first home run

John Barone, of MLB.com, reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz has not homered in his last 130 at-bats, which is the second-longest stretch without a home run in his career.

Red Sox | Ortiz, Youkilis hit well against Weaver

MLB.com reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz and 1B Kevin Youkilis both have two home runs in the last five seasons against Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim SP Jered Weaver. Ortiz is batting .412 with nine RBIs in 17 at-bats and Youkilis is .300 with four RBIs in 20 at-bats.

MLB Teams Trading The Franchise Face Might Help, But Who Wants Them?

In an article for the Wall Street Journal, Dave Cameron argues that certain teams should trade their face of the franchise to improve.  He mentions the Red Sox with David Ortiz, the Mariners with Ichiro Suzuki, the Rays with Scott Kazmir, and the Indians with Travis Hafner.  Unfortunately, Cameron disregards two crucial components to this

Red Sox | Ortiz returns to action Friday

Updating previous reports, Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz (neck) returned to the starting lineup Friday, May 8, against the Tampa Bay Rays, and went 0-for-4 with a walk and a run scored, according to The Associated Press.

David Ortiz returned to action on Friday May 8.

David Ortiz returned to action on Friday May 8. .. [...]

Ortiz (neck) returned to the lineup Friday against the Rays

Ortiz (neck) returned to the lineup Friday against the Rays and went 0-for-4 with a strikeout and a walk. [...]

Boston DH David Ortiz was back in the lineup on Friday after

News: Boston DH David Ortiz was back in the lineup on Friday after sitting out on Thursday with a stiff neck. He went 0-for-4 in the game, drawing a walk and scoring a run in a 7-3 win over the Rays. [...]

David Ortiz was 0-for-4 with a strikeout in a win over the Rays

David Ortiz was 0-for-4 with a strikeout in a win over the Rays on Friday night. Ortiz was out of the lineup with a stiff back on Thursday. He did walk and score a run in the win, but his batting average fell to . [...]

Ortiz, who entered Friday's game still homerless this season,

Ortiz, who entered Friday's game still homerless this season, put on a show during batting practice, hitting a barrage of tape-measure shots. In other words, the neck no longer seemed to be any type of issue. "David came in after BP last night -- he took a swing in BP and we've all done it, you sneeze or you get that thing in your neck and it kept getting stiffer and stiffer as opposed to looser and looser," Francona said. "I don't know, 6:15, 6:30-ish, we went ahead and redid [the lineup]. He looks pretty good today. That's good for us."

Red Sox | Ortiz hopes to play Friday

Ian Browne, of MLB.com, reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz (neck) hopes to be in the starting lineup Friday, May 8.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he thinks David Ortiz (neck)

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he thinks David Ortiz (neck) should be able to return to action Friday. Ortiz was scratched as a precaution before Thursday's game. [...]

Boston DH David Ortiz was scratched from the lineup on Thursday

News: Boston DH David Ortiz was scratched from the lineup on Thursday against the Indians due to a stiff neck. He is questionable for the team's upcoming three-game series with the Rays. [...]

David Ortiz was a last minute scratch Thursday due to a stiff

David Ortiz was a last minute scratch Thursday due to a stiff back. It must have happened some time during pre-game drills as there was no news of any problems prior to. [...]

There hadn't been any prior knowledge of Ortiz dealing with

There hadn't been any prior knowledge of Ortiz dealing with a neck problem, so it's possible the injury could have cropped up just before the game. Julio Lugo received the start at designated hitter. Stay tuned to see if Big Papi returns to Boston's batting order on Friday.

Ortiz has been scratched from the starting lineup for Thursday's

Ortiz has been scratched from the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Cleveland with a stiff neck. [...]

Red Sox | Ortiz scratched from lineup Thursday

Adam Kilgore, of The Boston Globe, reports Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz (neck) was scratched from the lineup Thursday, May 7, with a stiff neck.

Where's the power?From ESPN.com's Tristan H. Cockcroft:

Where's the power?From ESPN.com's Tristan H. Cockcroft: "He doesn't appear on any of the April BABIP leaders and trailers, but Ortiz hit 43 fly balls in April and not one went for a home run. He hasn't had a home run/fly ball percentage beneath 14.8 in his Red Sox career and his BABIP on ground balls was .067, low even by his slow-footed ways. No matter how bad you think Ortiz has looked thus far, bad luck absolutely has hurt him."April BABIPsTue, May 5 [...]

Ortiz went 2-for-3 with two doubles, two walks and an RBI in

Ortiz went 2-for-3 with two doubles, two walks and an RBI in Boston's victory over New York. [...]

Ortiz, Red Sox get 1st look at new Yankee Stadium

One by one, David Ortiz and his Red Sox teammates walked down the clubhouse tunnel, climbed the seven steps up to the dugout and took their first peek at the new Yankee Stadium.

The Boston Globe reports that Red Sox DH David Ortiz expressed

News: The Boston Globe reports that Red Sox DH David Ortiz expressed his frustration with his homer slump and expectations before Sunday's loss to the Rays. "I'm not happy," Ortiz said. "Why should I be? But I'll tell you what ... I'm just gonna keep the flow, keep playing the game, not worry about too many things. I don't want to be listening to all the negativity, all the (expletive) everybody come with. Because it seems like it's never enough. People all they like to see is people fail so they had a reason to talk (smack). So I'm not paying attention to any of it. I'm trying to stay away from talking because I don't need to talk, I need to do things right now. I will do things, believe me." [...]

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he will not move the struggling

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he will not move the struggling Ortiz down in the batting order, the Boston Herald reports. [...]

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he will not move the struggling

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he will not move the struggling Ortiz down in the batting order, the Boston Herald reports. [...]

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he will not move the struggling

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he will not move the struggling Ortiz down in the batting order, the Boston Herald reports. [...]

David Ortiz had no home runs and a .623 OPS, the latter good

David Ortiz had no home runs and a .623 OPS, the latter good for 90th in the American League. "He's kind of caught in between," said hitting coach Dave Magadan. [...]

Red Sox DH David Ortiz went 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout

News: Red Sox DH David Ortiz went 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout Thursday at Tampa Bay, snapping a nine-game hitting streak during which he hit .316 (12-for-38). [...]