FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Ortiz might not know when Opening Day is exactly, but the Boston Red Sox slugger is looking forward to it.
Ortiz, who didn’t play in any spring training games last year as he worked his way back from an Achilles injury, was asked Thursday when he’ll find his groove this time around. The question led to a hilarious exchange in which Ortiz discovered that Opening Day is a little earlier than usual this season.
“April 1st. I’ll be good to go April 1st,” Ortiz declared Thursday, prompting some rumblings amongst reporters in the Red Sox’s clubhouse.
“When is Opening Day? April 1st? I don’t know,” Ortiz said laughing. “To me, it’s always April 1st. When is it?”
Ortiz was informed that the Red Sox actually start their regular-season slate on March 31 this year. The nine-time All-Star then reassured everyone that he’ll be ready to roll, even if Opening Day’s exact date was a bit of a surprise.
“It’s March now? Then, when the lights pop, Papi pops and shows up,” Ortiz said.
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