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

First base in Miami has been a hard position to rule for years, but a few players are vying for the crown. Plus: Riley in ATL; RF at NYM; CF in PHI; Littell in WAS; more.
Mar 17 2026 3:07am
Carson Williams has been staking his claim to the starting shortstop job for Tampa Bay, plus more from around the AL East as camps wind down.
Mar 17 2026 3:05am
NL West rotations are mostly set, but the rosters still have plenty of room for shuffling during the spring's remaining weeks.
Mar 14 2026 3:04am
Shane Drohan may be the most intriguing piece in the return for Caleb Durbin.
Mar 13 2026 3:05am
Top Twins prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez will start 2026 at Triple-A, but seem likely to get a call-up at some point this season. Plus, saves in CHW, the Guardians' middle infield, an unknown Tiger, and Starling Marte and Lane Thomas in KC.
Mar 12 2026 3:05am

Tools