BOSTON — The Red Sox already had a strict plan for David
Ortiz. Before activating him off the disabled list, Red Sox manager Bobby
Valentine intended to play him every other day.
Apparently, Valentine was too optimistic. After Friday's
4-3 win over the Royals, Ortiz complained of lingering pain and was visibly
hobbling around the bases despite going 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
Boston's brass and the medical staff will evaluate the
situation in the coming days to determine the best course of action. If there's
a risk that Ortiz could rupture his Achilles, Valentine said the team could
shut him down for the season.
"I think what would be best for David is, if he's
healthy, for him to make sure that everyone knows he's healthy for the rest of
the season," Valentine said. "It wouldn't be my shutting him down. If
in fact that's what the medical staff and David thought was best for him this
year and for his career, then that might have to happen.
"The medical staff has assured me, Ben [Cherington]
and David that the rupturing of an Achilles is highly unlikely, even though
it's highly unlikely for everyone, and people do tear that Achilles tendon.
"He's in the same category as you are as far as it
rupturing while he's running. But there's some pain to deal with. If in fact,
upon further review, that possibility increases, I'd think we wouldn't allow it
to happen."
Valentine said that, at the very least, he'd be satisfied if
Ortiz was available to pinch hit.
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