FORT MYERS, Fla. -- David Ortiz took some ground balls at first base Monday, a drill he might not ordinarily partake in during spring training. But because the Red Sox open the season with an interleague series on the road (in Philadelphia), Ortiz will be taken out of the DH slot earlier than usual this year.
"With our opening series,'' said manager John Farrell, "we don't want to not cover that and limit his availability to us. With three games in Philly, in the National League, there's going to be some time at first base.'
Farrell said most of Ortiz's first base work in games will come later this month, closer to the start of the regular season.
Traditionally, the Sox ask National League teams to allow the Sox to use the DH in Grapefruit League road games. But Farrell indicated that later in March, the Sox might prefer to get their starting pitchers some at-bats -- also with an eye toward that series in Philadelphia.
"If a pitcher is lined up to pitch in Philadelphia,'' offered Farrell, "we would reserve the right to let them hit (instead of using the DH).''