Projo Sox Blog

David Ortiz is getting a day off today against Mariner lefty Garrett Olson, with Rocco Baldelli replacing him at designated hitter.

A month ago, that would have raised eyebrows. But after an excellent June, a day off for Ortiz is just that: a day off, not a sign of something larger.

It's just "mixing and matching, wanting to get Rocco's bat in the lineup, and wanting to keep our outfield defense the way it was. Just trying to cover everything as best we can," said manager Terry Francona.

"Just trying to keep everybody fresh and productive, and I think this is not a bad way to do it," Francona said.

Ortiz hit .320 with seven home runs and 19 RBI in June, a dramatic turnaround after his putrid April and May. He is available for pinch-hit duty against right-handers, Francona said.

Ortiz is actually hitting for a slightly higher average against lefties than he is against righties -- .233 to .216 -- but six of his eight home runs have come against right handers.

The righthanded Baldelli has mostly been used against left-handers this season, and has responded with a .340 average against them, with three home runs. He's hitting only .174 with one home run against right handers.

 Tags  Boston Red Sox Dan Barbarisi David Ortiz Rocco Baldelli. Terry Francona

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