David Ortiz Targeting Left-Center Field in Hopes of Busting Out of Slump

BOSTON — David Ortiz could be seen in the batter’s box at Fenway Park on Wednesday long before most of his teammates had even laced up their spikes. As he sent pitch after pitch hurtling toward the Green Monster, it was clear that his plan to break out of his early-season slump would start with going the other way.

“He’s trying to get his base where he can stay back, because his hands are following his body,” said manager Terry Francona. “He really wants to try to stay on that back leg, so he can start driving the ball to left-center. If he feels like he can drive the ball to left-center, he’ll cover more of the plate.”

Ortiz was substituted out of Tuesday night’s game in favor of pinch hitter Mike Lowell. Ortiz was visibly upset, snapping his bat over his knee before descending the dugout steps. While the temporary outburst was a bit startling to see, Francona said he simply sees it as Ortiz showing his competitive nature.

“I wouldn’t expect anybody, when we pinch hit for them, to come back and high-five us,” Francona said. “[Ortiz] has got a lot of pride.”

Francona also added that Ortiz’s pride could make it that much more difficult for him to keep his frustration level in check.

“I guess if I got asked every day [about struggles] too,” the manager said, “I’d probably get tired of it.”

Ortiz, clearly, is tired of it, but he’s taken his first step toward getting out of his funk. That step is aimed toward left-center field.