-Dexter Sports
4:12 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

David Ortiz started swinging away last night in front of team doctors. Off of a Tee, Ortiz was hammering the ball left and right. Solid shots over the green monster. Ok, that was a bit of an exaggeration, but after the session doctors thought that he "did ok" in relation to his injured wrist.

Ortiz will have another session tonight, before team officials will decide if he should hit the road with the Red Sox. Manager Terry Francona told a local sports radio station that Ortiz will take batting practice with the team if he travels with them. Kevin Youkalis will be in the starting lineup tonight for the Sox.

Other News and Notes:

• Cardinals Slugger Albert Pujols could be the designated hitter on Thursday when he comes off of the DL. Pujols started running the bases yesterday for the first time. Pujols will be a huge addition to the Cardinal offense. St. Louis is three games back of first place Chicago.
  

• Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi claimed to have apologized to Adam Dunn after making ridiculous remarks regarding Dunn's love for baseball. Well, according to trusted beat writer Hal McCoy, Dunn claims to never have talked to Ricciardi. This just continues to add to the "great" reputation that Ricciardi is building up this season. I feel that his job is about to be taken away from him pretty quickly, and if not now, then by the end of the season.

• Jon Lieber could be pitching his last season of professional baseball. Lieber will reevaluate his career at the end of the season, but life as a reliever has to be getting to him. Lieber has only been used 21 times this season, and after a career where he has been a starter, it has been a real adjustment. I really wouldn't be surprised. Lieber's stuff has been on the decline for a long time.

• Rafael Furcal is making strides in his attempt to come back this season. Furcal has started to take ground balls at shortstop, but could face back surgery if his recent rehab doesn't hold up. Furcal is a free agent in 2009.