For the foreseeable future –– depending on Ortiz’s second opinion –– Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine will have to shuffle between players at the DH spot, starting with Daniel Nava in Tuesday’s game against the White Sox.
“I have all those options,” Valentine said. “We could rotate guys through if we want. I don’t see one person sticking out as someone we’re going to put there and say he’s replacing David Ortiz as the designated hitter. You don’t do that. I think we’ll get some combinations of people that help us score runs.”
Another alternative is sliding Carl Crawford in as designated hitter. The outfielder is dealing with an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his left elbow, which restricts him throwing but not hitting. As a result, Crawford could be the ideal candidate to fill Ortiz’s vacancy during the absence, considering it’s a way to alleviate stress on his elbow.
But since Crawford just re-joined the lineup on Monday, Valentine has his reasons for keeping Crawford in the outfield for now.
“Second day back, I want him to get a flow of the game,” Valentine said. “And DH’ing isn’t a way to get a flow of the game.”
Either way, it’ll be a tough task to replicate Ortiz’s production. In 86 games this season, the slugger –– Boston’s lone All-Star this season –– is hitting .316 with 23 long balls and 58 RBIs.
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