ARLINGTON, Texas -- David Ortiz is out of the Boston Red Sox lineup tonight and the slugger could be looking at a longer rest.
Manager John Farrell said it was time for the 18-year veteran to take a step back and regroup.
“I think he’s feeling under the weather, and as I do with every player, I keep up with them as individuals,’’ Farrell said. “After the game yesterday [6-4 loss at Minnesota], I talked with him about the remainder of the road trip.’’
Farrell said it was the postgame talk with Ortiz, and not game performance, that prompted the call for a physical and mental break.
The 39-year-old designated hitter is batting .216 with six home runs and eight RBIs. He was hitless on Wednesday for the fourth time in his past five games.
“I know that when he’s right is when he’s most dangerous,’’ the manager said. “For a guy that relies on timing and rhythm, we felt like we’d let him calm down.’’
Farrell said the plan is to get Ortiz into the batting cage for extra work to get him going. Ortiz is very receptive with the plan, the manager added.
Roster moves: The Red Sox shuffled their roster before Thursday’s opener of a four-game weekend series with the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park. Left-handed hitting outfielder Carlos Peguero, acquired from Texas in a cash transaction on Wednesday, was activated. To make room, right-handed pitcher Anthony Varvaro was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Peguero, a .186 hitter with four home runs for the Rangers in 30 games, said his job is to “be ready and prepared.’’ Farrell said Peguero’s role will be that of a left-handed bat off the bench.
The Red Sox also recalled tonight’s starter, Eduardo Rodriguez, and another left-hander, Robbie Ross Jr., from Triple-A Pawtucket. To make room, Heath Hembree was optioned to Pawtucket, Daniel Nava was placed on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to May 26) and infielder Jeff Bianchi was designated for assignment.
A rain shower two hours before tonight’s 8:05 first pitch interrupted the Sox’s warm-up. The tarp was rolled off quickly and the Sox took batting practice in sunshine.
Tonight’s lineup: Rusney Castillo returns after missing Wednesday’s game with a shoulder injury suffered on Tuesday. The lineup: Dustin Pedroia (2B), Mookie Betts (CF), Pablo Sandoval (3B), Hanley Ramirez (DH), Mike Napoli (1B), Brock Holt (LF), Xander Bogaerts (SS), Blake Swihart (C), Castillo (RF).
