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David Ortiz Opts for PRP Treatment Over Surgery in Hopes of Returning This Season

BOSTON — Another injection will be needed to save David
Ortiz‘s season.

After missing the past three games with Achilles soreness, the Red Sox designated hitter will receive a platelet-rich plasma injection to relieve the discomfort and return to the diamond.

In the meantime, the Red Sox placed Ortiz back on the 15-day disabled list. Ortiz will be prohibited from flying right away — because it’s not advisable with the injection — so he’ll reunite with the team sometime later during the nine-game road trip.

“I had that done before and I believe in it big time,” Ortiz said of the PRP procedure. “The thing is that we didn’t get it done before because we thought it wasn’t needed in my case, but at this stage, this point, I’ve got to get through it.

“When I heard them talking about it [Monday] morning, it kind of made me happy because the one thing I was listening about before was hanging it up for the rest of the season, which is something that came into my head a little bit, just for being out with no hope [of coming back].”

This marks the second time Ortiz has needed a PRP injection. The last occurrence took place in 2007, when the 36-year-old slugger received the shot to alleviate pain in his troublesome knee.

If not for the injection, Ortiz would have likely undergone shockwave treatment to address the issue. Ortiz described that option as similar to an ultrasound, but 10-20 times stronger. Because of the resulting soreness from the procedure and considering that form of care would have sidelined him for four to five weeks — the equivalent of the rest of the season — Ortiz elected against it.

“You know, I’d like to be out there playing for this ballclub, my teammates,” Ortiz said. “Those are things that you’ve definitely got to be healthy to do it. The good thing that we talked about [Monday], we’re going to try this one PRP injection, see how it goes in the next couple of weeks. If I’m good, I can just go back and play.”

But Ortiz insisted surgery wasn’t necessary. Once the season ends, he intends to go through the shockwave treatment to ensure his Achilles is completely healthy by next
spring training.

Despite the bumpy road ahead in free agency, Ortiz repeated his desire to return to the Red Sox.

“Through the years, I always keep telling everyone how important it is for me to be part of this organization,” Ortiz said. “This is what I know and this is something I want to be part of. I know we’ve been having a lot of issues through the years, but I always try to be honest with you guys. I know how hard sometimes it can be to perform at the highest level here. Things will get better.”

For now, he hopes it starts with his ailing Achilles.

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