BALTIMOREThings just keep getting worse in the news department for David Ortiz and his throwing right Achilles tendon.
Big Papi is in shutdown mode for the next few days and wont hit or run around the field at Camden Yards over the next couple of days.Subsequently it appears Ortiz wont be playing in an important three-game divisional series this weekend against the New York Yankees in the Bronx.
Theyve shut me down for the next couple of days, admitted Ortiz. When Im ready to play then Ill play. Thats about it.
The Sox designated hitter was joking that he wished he was an alien because then maybe things in his heel would heal faster, but unfortunately Achilles injuries heal slowly in human beings because theres little blood flow in the area. Ortiz is trying to remain patient and keep things in perspective, but he said there have been days when all he can do is walk to the movies and then walk back to the team hotel.
Its just improving. Were doing different things and Ive been feeling better lately. Im not going to do any running for the next few days, I think, said Ortiz. Were just gonna leave it alone with the treatment that were doing.
Every time when I was doing running and things because I was limping I was getting too sore. Thats now what were looking for. Were looking for a step forward instead of a step back. Its not up to me when I come back. You got to let your injuries heal.
Ortiz said he didnt know when hed be back into the lineup and admitted hed probably be less than 100 percent when he does return. Valentine was tacitly admitting that Ortiz wouldnt be playing against the Yankees after staying off his feet -- away from the batting cage -- for the next few days.
Hes trying to get rid of all the soreness. Until its completely gone they dont want to start anything up, said Ortiz. Hes a great player. Were getting the right guys up there in the right situations, but theres no telling whether he would have been driving them in during the same situations.
So things continue as they have for nearly a month with Ortiz out of the lineup when the Sox medical staff originally thought it might only be a couple of days for the big slugger.The Sox lineup vs. the Orioles for Aug. 15:CF EllsburyLF Crawford2B Pedroia1B GonzalezDH RossC SaltalamacchiaSS AvilesRF Podsednik3B PuntoRHP Aaron Cook