Boston’s David Ortiz starting at 1st base – WFSB 3 Connecticut

He can do different things with his pitches.

And if the Red Sox decide to go in another direction?

For the first time in Red Sox history, the team did not record a put out by its first baseman, according to Elias Sports. This included beating one of the best pitchers in the league this season in Chris Archer, as they took him deep three times. Cash in the chip and move on, because they’ll never be able to admit that he is never going to be what they thought he could be. It wrapped up this weekend when they outslugged one of the other best offenses in the league in the Houston Astros, taking two of three and almost winning the middle game in the process.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, June 21, 2015.

The Boston Red Sox got scrubbed by the Toronto Blue Jays in their last series with the team. Clay Buchholz continues to round into form as he threw a complete game against Houston, allowing one run in the ninth inning. “I’ve hit two or three, four balls hard before and just haven’t had any luck, just hit it right to guys so tonight though, obviously once you get that first one the confidence level goes up”. The top of the order is solid with Mookie Betts, Brock Holt and Xander Bogaerts all hovering around. “We were on such a good momentum run”.

David Ortiz made a rare appearance at first base on Sunday, and on Tuesday night it Travis Shaw from Pawtucket that got that start. His glove is not on par with Napoli’s, there is always the increased risk of injury for the lumbering 39-year-old, and he has not flourished offensively at that spot in the past several years. Sure, they have to leapfrog a handful of others, but eliminating a game or two off your deficits every couple of weeks for the next three months takes care of that climb.

Now 39, Ortiz has 14 home runs, but he is batting only.

“Yeah, I feel way better now here with everybody”, the soft-spoken Rodriguez said. Haren is 2-7 with a 3.41 ERA against the Red Sox in his career. The last time he did it against an AL opponent was on August 5, 2006.

There were two ground ball outs in the game that was won by the Red Sox, 5-4.

Looking at the remaining schedule before the All-Star break, the club has the opportunity to make up a few ground on the rest of the division.

This is his first start at first base in Fenway since July 16, 2005, when he started against the New York Yankees. He recorded hits two and three of his career as well, both of which were singles.

The season may not be over for the Red Sox, as they are finally starting to play up to their potential. The team knew last season that they were going to get rid of a number of pieces as they were in much worse shape last season.