NEW YORK (AP) — David Ortiz has had his walking boot removed, and the Boston Red Sox slugger is testing his strained right Achilles by taking batting practice before the game against the New York Yankees.
Ortiz has been out since July 17 and he said Friday he was going “all in” by taking BP on the field instead of starting with the tee or in the cage. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Wednesday.
Ortiz was leading the struggling Red Sox with a .316 average, 23 homers and 58 RBIs when he was injured. Boston is 3-6 since he last played and has fallen back below .500 at 49-50.
Manager Bobby Valentine said Ortiz is on track to return when his rehab stint is over. The Red Sox designated hitter said he’s not sure if he’ll be ready because “every day is different.”
