TORONTO (AP) — Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is set to play in an extended spring training game in Fort Myers, Fla., on Monday and could begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket as soon as Thursday.
Ortiz has been sidelined with heel inflammation this spring after missing much of the second half of last season with a right Achilles tendon injury.
Manager John Farrell said Ortiz ran the bases, hit in the cage and took batting practice at Boston’s spring training facility on Saturday. Farrell said the tentative plan is for Ortiz to play in three extended spring games before joining Pawtucket.
Shortstop Stephen Drew, out with a concussion since being hit on the helmet by a pitch during a March 7 spring training game, will play Sunday and Monday at Double-A Portland before rejoining the Red Sox in time for Wednesday’s game against Baltimore. Portland’s game Saturday was postponed by cold weather and a frozen field. The Red Sox are off Tuesday.
