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David Ortiz could be in hot water after comments on Boston's future

Kyle Ringo

David Ortiz might have to answer to Major league Baseball over comments he made during the All-Star break, suggesting players the Boston Red Sox should add to the roster either later this season or at the end of the year when he retires.

Ortiz suggested the Red Sox should pursue Toronto slugger Edwin Encarnacion to fill his shoes as designated hitter. He also said the club should look at Miami pitcher Jose Fernandez.

“The Red Sox know that they need to reinforce the middle of the lineup,” Ortiz said. “And sorry Blue Jays, but who better than Encarnacion to do that?”

MLB tampering rules prevent personnel of one team from commenting in such a way about players from another team. Here is what Ortiz said about Fernandez:

“He has incredible stuff,” Ortiz said. “I thought he was gonna end up playing with me this year. I mean, you never know. I want him in my starting rotation. I mean, we need a little bit of help and hopefully that happens at some point, who knows?”

It’s a fine line players, managers and others walk when talking about other players they might have ties to or admire. It would be a surprise if much comes of any possible inquiry into Ortiz’s comments because they came from a man who has announced his retirement at the end of the season. But it’s a safe bet MLB will at least ask some questions.

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Kyle Ringo is a contributing writer to Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at kyle.ringo@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @KyleRingo