BOSTON —Â David Ortiz isn’t taking any days off for the remainder of September.
The Red Sox slugger has been getting regular rest throughout the 2016 season thanks to some nagging heel and foot pain, but manager John Farrell said Thursday before Boston’s game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park that he doesn’t see why Ortiz can’t play in the remaining 16 games.
“I don’t think anything changes,” Farrell said. “He’ll be in the lineup every day. Every day he’s capable. And hopefully that’s every single game going forward. I don’t think there’s been any talk or uttering of any comments in our clubhouse about the final remaining games for David. It’s about what we’re trying to do as a team.”
Ortiz most recently had four days off from Sept. 5 through Sept. 8 after sitting out Boston’s entire series against the San Diego Padres before an off day. He made one pinch-hitting appearance during the first Red Sox-Padres game, but Ortiz was off his feet otherwise.
“I’m sure there’s been some benefit to it,” Farrell said of Ortiz’s rest. “Any time this time of year, if a player, regardless of who you are, gets a breather, it helps. I think there were some at-bats up in Toronto where he worked to get his timing back a little more sharp and consistent, but hopefully that set him up to be available for every game remaining. No one wants to be in the lineup daily more than David. We’ll take a step back if needed, but right now there’s nothing to suggest that he’s going to need a day.”
The Red Sox certainly will want Ortiz around, too, as they continue to make a push for the playoffs in the wide-open American League East.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
