Sox unfazed by Ortiz's quiet Grapefruit League season

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- David Ortiz went 0-for-2 in Thursday night's loss to the Yankees and is now hitting .063 in Spring Training. However, that does not rank as a concern for the Red Sox.

Once the bell rings on March 31 at Camden Yards, Ortiz will likely have his timing where he needs it.

"I'm not concerned with David, what he's done through 30 at-bats," said manager John Farrell. "You watch the BP, the bat speed is clearly there, the power is there. He is seeing pitches. He's going to get more everyday at-bats starting on Sunday through the remainder of camp. I have no concern with David."

Last year, Ortiz didn't play at all in Spring Training because he was recovering from a right Achilles injury. He wound up having a typically prolific season.

"I've had multiple conversations with David. If there was a need for more at-bats or wanting to do things a little differently, we'd do it," said Farrell. "He's had Spring Trainings that are so drastically different when you look at the last two years. You look at last year when he had no at-bats, he had about 15 at-bats in Triple-A and had one of the better years of his career. He's getting in shape. He's seeing pitches on a regular basis, so personally I think he'll be fine once we get through the end of next week."