Notes: Ortiz sits out with sore back

07/20/2006
BOSTON -- Another day and another nagging injury for the Red Sox to contend with. However, it's not just another player -- it's their biggest run-producer.
David Ortiz, who had started Boston's previous 84 games as its designated hitter, was not in the starting lineup for Thursday's makeup contest with the Rangers because of a sore back.
"I thought [Wednesday] was a good day off for him," Red Sox skipper Terry Francona said. "His back's a little sore. He didn't have any All-Star break. He kind of talked me out of it. We talked to him after the game [Wednesday] and just thought today would be a good day."
Francona eased any concerns that this would be a serious issue.
"He's not hurt," Francona said. "It just made sense to me. When he came back from the All-Star break he was tired, and that's not what you're looking for. That home-run hitting contest, part of me wasn't that sad when he fell out of it. I love him to death and I want him to get all the accolades he can get, but I knew he was going to be wiped out. And he was, I knew it."
The Red Sox manager said he would not hesitate using the slugger off the bench in a late-game situation.
"It'll be interesting when they want to get a right-hander up in the bullpen, it'll make them think about it a couple of times."
Ortiz entered Thursday's game leading the club in homers (32) and RBIs (90). His 32 home runs also led the Majors.
"Trying to pick a time to not have [Ortiz] out there is [difficult] because he's so good," Francona said. "It's just a good day to do this."
Lineup on the fly: Francona's challenges began early Thursday when he knew he would have to go to plan 'B' without the services of Ortiz in the lineup. Then he learned of a stomach bug that put Mike Lowell out of commission for the day.
"Lowell came in throwing up and he's not playing all of a sudden," Francona said. "He was going to hit third today. That was plan 'B' and plan 'B' went out the window."
Coco Crisp hit leadoff for the 23rd time while Youkilis was moved down to third in the order for just the second time in 2006.
"The thinking is maybe the change of scenery one day for Youk will be good for him."
Youkilis, who singled in his first at-bat, entered the game mired in a 5-for-34 (.147) slump in his last eight contests.
Wily Mo Pena got his first start since the June 1 surgery on his left wrist while Gabe Kapler filled in for Trot Nixon in right against Texas southpaw John Rheinecker.
"We keep Gabe in there and let Wily Mo get his bat in there off a lefty," Francona said.
Travel plans: Francona announced that David Wells and Keith Foulke will travel with the team to Seattle to continue their respective throwing programs on the side. Meanwhile, Matt Clement (right-shoulder strain) and Lenny DiNardo (neck strain) will stay back with Tim Wakefield and work with rehab director Scott Waugh.
Speaking up for the Manny: Josh Beckett said Wednesday, following a diving catch by Manny Ramirez, that the Red Sox left fielder is playing like he wants to win a Gold Glove. While not going that far, Francona on Thursday also sang Ramirez's praises for his glove work this season, especially in light of his sore right knee.
"I think Manny's moving around pretty well. I would prefer when we're at home to have Manny in left, because I think he does a good job out there," Francona said. "He's a great offensive player but I tell you what, this year he's very accurate with his throws when he needs to make an accurate throw. He's done a good job, especially here where he has that comfort zone that other outfielders come in and don't have."
Sign of the times: Another day game meant another day with the green tarp over the far two sections of the center-field bleachers. But Francona mentioned that players and umpires have expressed their concern with a Stop and Shop billboard on the garage door in center that is making it difficult to pick up the baseball.
"I talked to Larry [Lucchino] and John Henry. I know there are financial [implications]," Francona said. "Not to [upset] the Stop and Shop people, but it is a little bit of a hindrance. There's nothing we can do about it. When lefties throw on day games, it's the section over from the green [tarp] section that's the one that's the problem. I don't expect us not to sell tickets. That's not going to work. You just have to deal with it. Hopefully, it will get cloudy.
"You can tell when guys are having a tough time. You can when guys are swinging through changeups, guys are going through the lineup too easy," Francona added.
In his wake: Doug Mirabelli met with Francona before Thursday's game to discuss his role now that Wakefield is off to the disabled list.
"I'll sit on the plane and try to look at everything," Francona said. "I do like to let everyone know when there's a pretty good chance they'll play. It might be a little more conventional, and what I mean is [playing] day game after a night game. I want to see who's pitching for Seattle and Oakland before I do it. It's getting to that time of the year where it's getting hot."

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/