Boston’s Ortiz to play 3 rehab games in Portland

BOSTON – David Ortiz is expected back in the Boston Red Sox lineup in less than two weeks – just in time for the opening game of a weekend series at Fenway against the New York Yankees, manager Terry Francona said Saturday.

The slugger has been on the disabled list since May 31 because of a partial tear of the sheath that surrounds the tendon in his left wrist.

“He feels good,” Francona said. “He’s pretty excited about things.”

Ortiz will begin a six-game rehabilitation stint in the minor leagues Thursday, starting with three games in Triple-A Pawtucket, followed by three games in Double-A Portland, Francona said.

Ortiz is tentatively scheduled to return to the team on July 25.

Francona said Ortiz looked good during batting practice Friday with the pitching machine set at high speed, prompting the team to schedule his tentative return date.

“I feel good,” Ortiz said. “Actually, it was my first time hitting off the machine. I was acting like I normally do, locating, check swing, swing and a miss. Stuff like that. Everything was fine. That’s all I need. Make sure there’s no pain when I’m doing that.”

“David did well,” Francona said. “He did the machine, tried to simulate as much as he could, ball down and away ball up and in. He’ll go with us to New York Monday and Tuesday and hit in the cage because he has some obligations as the guy who got the most [All-Star] votes to be there represent the American League and the Red Sox.”