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Sox bullpen shorthanded tonight »
April 13, 2008
As expected Red Sox slugger David Ortiz has been given tonight off.
Manager Terry Francona hinted after Saturday's game that it would be a possibility. The two met late Saturday and the manager told him of the decision.
“I just think it’s the right thing to do,” said Francona. “When he came in today he had a little more bounce to his step and a little more lighthearted than he’s been. He’ll have a good work day and then he can take a little bit of a mental break. It got to a point where he needed a break, and that’s the best way to put it. . . You can see it's weighing on him. This is done to help him take a deep breath."
It was clear when Ortiz walked into the clubhouse he was in a good mood, almost relieved that he wasn't playing.
“It’s never a lot of fun to not have his presence in the lineup, but I think it’s the best thing to do,” Francona said.
Papi is hitless in his last 17 at-bats and he's 1-for-his-last 29. His .070 average is the lowest in the majors.
Ortiz had surgery on his right knee during the offseason, and even though Francona said tonight he doesn't think that has anything to do with it, Ortiz was sitting in the dugout prior to Friday's game with a huge ice pack on his knee. He said he felt okay and this day off could be just what he needs.
He will hit in the cage and probably watch video with hitting coach Dave Magadan.
Teammate Sean Casey said he knows how Ortiz feels.
"We've all been there," he said.
Manny Ramirez will serve as the DH with Jacoby Ellsbury in left field and Coco Crisp in center.
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 5:17 PM | Permalink
