It sounds like David Ortiz has some mixed feelings about playing first base.
The slugger got his rare chance to man the corner bag Thursday night as the Red Sox played the second of two games at the Phillies’ National League field. Before the game, Ortiz sounded reticent about getting some action, even with the prep work he had put in.
“I tell [Dustin] Pedroia that everything he can catch, go and get it,” he told The Boston Globe before the game.
After the Red Sox romped, though, winning 9-2 with the help of a seventh-inning home run by Ortiz, he was singing a different tune.
“Nobody hit the ball to me,” he said, according to the Globe. “I was out there saying to myself, ‘Come on [expletives], give me a shot. I want to make a play.'”
The Red Sox’ next interleague action on the road is in August when they visit the San Francisco Giants. Ortiz may get another chance then.