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Ortiz Two Weeks Away
Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz is stepping up his rehab program and could be in Boston's lineup as early as the third week of April, reports Alex Speier of WEEI. The veteran slugger is flying to Fort Myers on Friday and will test his sore Achilles tendon the bases over the weekend, then jump into extended Spring Training games on Monday.
From there Ortiz is looking to get 20-30 at-bats with the PawSox at Triple-A as a final stepping stone before he rejoins the big-league club mid-month.
Drew Back for Home Opener?
Sox release Sweeney
Boston cuts ties with Sweeney to make room for young phenom Jackie Bradley.
Now that shortstop Stephen Drew has the all-clear from MLB to return to game action, the Red Sox are planning to start him in a rehab stint at Double-A Portland on Tuesday, reports Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald. Drew is allowed to play a maximum of five minor-league rehab games, per the special rules of the 7-day concussion DL, so the club has planned for the shortstop to play in four games for Portland before returning to the big-league roster.
If all goes well, Drew will be activated in time for Monday afternoon's home opener against the Orioles. The veteran infielder has been sidelined since March 7 after being hit in the head with a pitch.
