David Ortiz’s prolonged rehab from a right Achilles strain might finally be coming to an end, as Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine revealed that the big slugger might be activated for Friday night’s game against the Royals.
“It looked like David got through everything perfectly today,” said Valentine. “He was running the bases. Today was the day he was going to run the bases, which he hadn’t done yet. He had run sprints and done other things. Today he ran the bases. They’re going to see how he gets through it. If he gets through it, we’re planning on hopefully activating him tomorrow, but that’s the update of updates.”
Ortiz last played for the Red Sox on July 16. The Red Sox are 13-21 without him.
In other news, Felix Doubront will make his return to the rotation on Sunday. Daisuke Matsuzaka will take the ball Monday, but it sounds like that will be for Triple-A Pawtucket instead of the Red Sox.
Adrian Gonzalez will take a night to rest his legs and serve as the DH. Mauro Gomez is starting at first base. Ryan Lavarnway is behind the plate against lefty C.J. Wilson.
