Red Sox Notes: David Ortiz Closing In On 500; Rick Porcello To Begin Rehab

Positive takeaways were few and far between for the Boston Red Sox after Wednesday’s 14-6 manhandling at the hands of the Miami Marlins. But David Ortiz made sure the afternoon wasn’t a complete waste.

Ortiz clubbed two home runs in Boston’s blowout loss and now needs just nine more to reach 500 for his career.

The slugger brushed off the question of whether he’ll be able to reach the milestone this season, but it’s clear membership into the 500-homer club is something that means a great deal to Ortiz.

“I don’t know,” he told reporters after the game, as aired on “Red Sox Extra Innings LIVE.” “I’m just going to try to keep on swinging. I’m not trying to put any pressure on myself. I’m just trying to put a good swing on the ball always on any swing when I’m at the plate. So, hopefully (I’ll reach 500).”

The Red Sox have 48 games remaining this season.

Some additional notes from Wednesday’s action:

— The 14 runs tied a single-game season high for Miami, which entered the game ranked dead last in the majors in runs scored. Catcher T.J. Realmuto did the most damage, going 3-for-5 with a triple, a grand slam, three runs scored and six RBIs.

— Rick Porcello’s road back to Boston will begin up the road in Lowell.

The right-hander, who currently is on the 15-day disabled list with a sore triceps, will make his first rehab start Saturday with the short-season Single-A Spinners, Farrell told reporters Wednesday afternoon. An additional start with either Double-A Portland or Triple-A Pawtucket will follow, after which the Red Sox will determine whether to activate the 26-year-old.

Porcello has posted a 5.81 ERA over 20 starts for the Red Sox this season. He’s allowed four or more earned runs in nine of those starts, including five in just two innings July 29 — his most recent outing.

— Farrell after the game discussed the Red Sox’s hiring of former Los Angeles Angels general manager Jerry DiPoto to an interim position in their front office.

“He’s come in to review our system, our big league club,” Farrell told reporters. “I know it’s an objective view to be brought in and give feedback and information to be on his assessment and recommendations going forward.”

DiPoto is a former Red Sox scout who also pitched in the majors from 1993 to 2000, and roomed with Farrell when both were with the Cleveland Indians.

Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images