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Ortiz to play first base again

Print | Comments () Posted by Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff March 10, 2009 05:30 PM

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A day after David Ortiz told Newsday, "I'm not a first baseman," Ortiz is in the lineup as first baseman for the Dominican Republic's pivotal World Baseball Classic game against the Netherlands. Dominican Republic manager Felipe Alou wants to Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes -- both shortstops -- in the lineup together, necessitating Ortiz's vacating the designated hitter role.

Ortiz told Newsday he didn't want to play first because he feels soreness in his left shoulder when he throws, but not when he hits. Red Sox manager Terry Francona reiterated this morning that Ortiz's health was not a concern.

"If it was an issue, it would show up in their reports, or with David telling us," Francona said.