DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL East—The fallout from Ortiz' return

Boston Red Sox

After a harrowing, emotional week, the Red Sox welcomed back their spiritual leader, David Ortiz (DH, BOS) on April 20. There are signs that Ortiz’s Achilles is not completely healed—he missed a rehab game with a sore left heel—but he and the team believe they can manage the pain and keep him in the lineup.

Ortiz is a risky proposition, given that the injury could flare up at any time, but the potential reward is great as well, if he can even approach the pace he was on in 2012’s first half.

As expected and mentioned in Playing Time Today, Jackie Bradley (OF, BOS) has been sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket, leaving left field to what should more or less be a straight platoon between Daniel Nava (OF, BOS) and Jonny Gomes...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Ben Williamson is currently the projected third baseman for the Mariners, but a shakeup may be needed.
Jan 20 2026 3:01am
Chicago signed Bregman to a 5-year/$175 million deal, how does it impact their roster?
Jan 15 2026 3:09am
Coby Mayo (pictured) and Ryan Mountcastle have been squeezed from regular reps in BAL, while Triston Casas is in a similar spot in BOS; plus, more offseason fallout from the AL East.
Jan 13 2026 3:01am
At the moment, Grant Taylor and Jordan Leasure would seem to have the inside track to Southside saves. Plus other post-Winter Meetings notes from around the AL Central.
Dec 19 2025 3:04am
Keller? Kittredge? It's all about the K's in the late innings in Chicago.
Sep 13 2025 3:06am

Tools