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BOSTON -- The timetable for David Ortiz's return keeps getting pushed back.
Initially, it was thought that Ortiz would be ready to be activated immediately when he was eligible. But given that that date was Wednesday, that was obviously optimistic.
Then, earlier Thursday, Bobby Valentine said he was hopeful that Ortiz, who's been out for more than two weeks with a strained Achilles, would be able to return to the lineup this weekend.
But now, that, too, seems unlikely. Ortiz did some running in the outfield Thursday to test the heel, and while he felt some improvement, he still needs additional time.
It feels better, said Ortiz, who added that the team's trainer "were a little surprised about how I was moving compared to when we tried in New York. Like the doctors and trainers say, Im not going to be 100 percent when I come back to play. But when we start doing the power drills and once I start feeling better, I think Ill be ready to go.
Valentine joked that he wasn't going to order Ortiz to run the bases before being cleared, but he will have to demonstrate the ability to move better than he currently does. And he doesn't intend to hurry back only to put himself at risk.
Joked Ortiz: I can play with a flat wheel. Weve got to get better, though. I dont want to have any setbacks. This is something thats not a game. I was playing with soreness before I got into the situation at second base.
"Once I shut it down and started learning about that injury, I figured that its an injury that can put you out for a long time if you dont take care of it. Im trying to get to the point where theres no risks.