David Ortiz injury: Red Sox DH scratched with heel soreness

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz was scratched from his minor league rehab appearance last night due to soreness in his left heel, according to Evan Drellich of MassLive.com.

Ortiz was not in Triple-A Pawtucket's lineup Sunday either, but that absence was attributed to illness. The reported heel soreness is more concerning, considering Ortiz has been recovering from a foot injury. The recent report involves discomfort in the slugger's left foot, but he had been previously hampered by soreness in his right heel.

Franklin Morales nearing rehab start

Red Sox lefty Franklin Morales is getting close to making a rehab start with AA Portland.

The scratch came late Monday before the team's evening start, during which Ortiz was originally slated to bat third. The team has an afternoon contest today, and it's not yet clear if Ortiz will return to the lineup. He was initially expected to return from the disabled list when he's eligible on April 19, but the recent setback could cause his activation to be delayed.

The recent setback could not only hurt Ortiz's season totals, but also his checkbook. Drellich notes that if Ortiz is on the DL for 21 days he will lose out on $2 million in salary next season. The slugger officially went on the DL on March 31.

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