BOSTON — David Ortiz would rather not make a habit of playing first base.
For the second time in four days — and also 10 years — Wednesday night, Ortiz got a home start at first base in place of slumping Mike Napoli. And although he handled each of his defensive chances without incident, the slugging designated hitter said he doesn’t have much interest in playing first base more frequently, even though it might well be the best thing for the Red Sox.
“(Heck) no,” Ortiz said after belting a two-run homer in the Sox won their season-high fourth consecutive game, 6-3, against the Miami Marlins. “I’m too old for that, man. I like doing my focus on hitting. I haven’t played first base in too long.”
Indeed, Ortiz’ biggest objection to more frequent starts at first base is simply that he hasn’t trained his body to play defense. At age 39, and considering his recent history of heel and foot problems, it likely would be best for Ortiz’ health if he remains primarily a designated hitter.
Here’s the problem: The Red Sox are getting the worst production out of first base because Napoli ranks among the worst hitters in the majors with a .192 with a .613 OPS. Also, Hanley Ramirez’ transition to left field has been a train wreck, his defensive shortcomings all but neutralizing the impact of his team-leading 18 homers.
So, by moving Ortiz to first base, the Red Sox would seemingly kill two birds — getting both Napoli’s bat and Ramirez’ glove out of the lineup — with one stone. And manager John Farrell has been able to sell the idea to Ortiz based on a scheduling quirk that affords the Sox two days off this week before the All-Star break and thereby allows Big Papi ample recovery time after playing first base.
Long-term, though, it doesn’t seem like a viable solution. Not to Ortiz and not to Farrell.
“The focus with David at first is today only,” Farrell said. “The approach with that is more day-to-day in his availability.”
Said Ortiz: “I know that these past couple of days, they want to make the lineup look different or whatever. But I know my boy )(Napoli) is going to bounce back and do what he normally does. It’s just a matter of time.”