That didn't take long. But then again, it's just been that kind of year for the Red Sox. As soon as the team got Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury back after the All-Star Break, Ortiz limped off the field July 16th, missed more than a month, and then played one measly game before getting hurt again. And I should probably mention that in the 35 games without their cleanup hitter, Boston went 13-22 as their record plunged seven games below .500. The eight time All-Star reinjured his Achilles running out a double in his return last Friday night. But at least Big Papi made the most of his one game by going 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI in Boston's 4-3 win over the Royals.
Ortiz will receive treatment this week and says he hopes to play again sometime this season. Don't bother. Just take it slow and focus on rehabbing/preparing for 2013. After all, what's the point of rushing through recovery to make it back for games that aren't going to matter? Why risk further injury playing out the string in a meaningless September? The Red Sox aren't going to make the playoffs, not after unloading Josh Beckett, Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez to the Dodgers. I know he's motivated because he's in a contract year and is seeking a multiyear deal, but it's not like he has anything to prove. Even at the age of 36 he's still the league's premier DH and arguably its best hitter; his .611 SLG and 1.026 OPS are tops in the Junior Circuit. He should cash out now, quit while he's ahead, because it's almost impossible to hit much better than that. Besides, I'm sure Ben Cherington will be able to send some of that freed up $260 million Big Papi's way. Isn't that what it's there for?
Ryan Kalish has been recalled from Pawtucket and will fill the vacant roster spot.
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