Ortiz cast removed

PHILADLEPHIA - David Ortiz has had the cast removed form his left wrist. He now can begin range-of-motion exercises, manager Terry Francona said earlier this afternoon.

Ortiz is still a long way from playing. He needs time now to test the wrist and see how painful it is to swing the bat over and over. He then needs to go on a rehab assignment. Ortiz has been pain-free, but once he begins swinging will be the real test. Ortiz partially tore the tendon sheath in his left wrist while swinging the bat in the ninth inning of a May 31 game.

Curt Schilling also has been told to take a few days off after having a blah day throwing last Friday. Schilling was here in Philly to meet and greet some of his old pals.