Papi's in Portland

By Dan Hickling
Globe Correspondent

PORTLAND, Maine -- Papi-palooza hit Portland this afternoon, just about the same time the rains did, so the scheduled batting practice for the Portland Sea Dogs, and their designated hitter for the next three days, David Ortiz, was washed out.

Skies are clear now, and a 7 p.m. first pitch still seems to be on target.

Ortiz did do some hitting in the batting cage, and afterwards spent 15 minutes with the media.

Ortiz said that he felt good, especially after having already tested his injured left wrist last weekend during his three-game rehab stint in Pawtucket.

“Everything is working out pretty good,” he said. “My hands feel great. I can just come down an have fun with the kids.”

Ortiz is slotted third in the Sea Dog batting order, which also includes promising prospect Josh Reddick in right field. Reddick was called up last night from Single-A Lancaster.

Starting for Connecticut is righthander Joey Martinez, the former Boston College standout.

More to come.