« Postgame Notes: Youkilis breaks record
Main
Tampa 2, Boston 1 »
April 26, 2008
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Red Sox slugger David Ortiz missed Saturday's game with a bruised right knee and will not play on Sunday.
Ortiz attempted to stay out of a double play in the top of the 11th inning against the Rays on Friday as he slammed head first into first base. Manager Terry Francona said the play looked like a car accident.
"When I saw him get up, I knew it," Francona said. "I was hoping he wouldn't feel it (Saturday), but he does. So, we're going to give him a chance to get rid of the swelling."
With one out in the 11th inning, Dustin Pedroia singled before Ortiz pulled the ball to the right side of the infield. Rays first baseman Eric Hinske made the play and got the lead runner at second. Ortiz hustled down the line and dove into the bag to no avail.
"I'm glad he wanted to get to first that bad," said Francona "It was a big run and he wanted to get there and dove. His knee is bruised, so we'll give him a little time."
It's the same knee he had surgery on during the offseason.
Ortiz went 0-for-6 Friday night, snapping a seven-game hitting streak. During that stretch he posted a .370 average with 3 home runs, 2 doubles, 16 RBI and 7 runs scored. Francona said after last night’s game that Ortiz will not play again today.
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 11:11 PM | Permalink
