Ortiz set to be activated Friday
Boston designated hitter David Ortiz is expected to be activated off the disabled list Friday when the Red Sox host the Kansas City Royals.
"He feels good about where he's at and all things point to his return tomorrow when we get home from this trip," Red Sox manager John Farrell said Thursday.
Ortiz, who hit a home run for Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday afternoon, had just four hits and a .222 batting average in 18 at-bats in the rehab assignment.
"Having his presence in the middle of the order certainly speaks for itself, for the number of years and success he's had," Farrell said. "I think he gives us the potential to lengthen our lineup even more, and we're certainly looking forward to seeing him in the clubhouse tomorrow."
The Red Sox were 10-4 before Thursday night's game against the Cleveland Indians without Ortiz.
Jonny Gomes, Daniel Nava and Mike Napoli have all seen time in the DH spot so far this season.
"We'll certainly work off David on this," Farrell said of the Achilles injury that has sidelined Ortiz this season. "To say we have 'X' days and 'X' games, we'll use him as our guide. We're going to have balance getting him back into full shape as well as monitor how much stress that heel can take."
