David Ortiz Expected to Return to Red Sox Lineup Bringing Much Needed Boost

The Red Sox will receive a much needed boost to their offense on Friday as it’s expected that the club will activated slugger, David Ortiz from the DL prior to their game against the Kansas City Royals.

Oritz has been sidelined with a strained Achilles tendon, an injury he suffered on July 17 and the Red Sox have been a noticeably different team without their designated hitter.  Through the 35 games without Big Papi, the Red Sox went a disturbing 13-22 and have subsequently fallen further behind in their pursuit for the Wild Card.

Ortiz had been nearing a return over the past week but until he could participate in running drills with no discomfort, both he and the Sox management did not want to risk further injury.  Prior to Thursday’s game against the LA Angels, Ortiz ran the bases and all reports were positive on the slugger, making him available for the weekend series against the Royals.

On the season, Ortiz is having a bounce back type year at the plate with a slash line of 316/.414/.609  with 23 home runs and 58 RBI through 89 games.  The Sox are hoping that having their most popular player return to the lineup will result in a reversal of their misfortunes of late, which included a sweep at the hands of the Angels.

With September right around the corner, the Red Sox need a shot in the arm, something, anything that will get this team on a roll that they can hopefully sustain and at least make it interesting down the stretch.

Ortiz has been more than honest about his feelings towards the Red Sox organization and his desire, or lack there of to return to Boston next year when he becomes a free-agent at the end of this season.  We’ll look at his value to the Red Sox and how he might be in the driver’s seat when it comes to his next contract with a post this weekend.