David Ortiz (heel) is back in the starting lineup for a rehab game Tuesday with Triple-A Pawtucket. Good news. Ortiz was scratched from Monday's lineup due to mild soreness in his left heel, but it wasn't a significant setback. Still, it's unclear whether he'll get enough at-bats this week to be activated by Friday.

David Ortiz was scratched from Monday's rehab game with Triple-A Pawtucket due to mild left heel pain. Ortiz was scratched from Sunday's game due to illness, and it was assumed that's why he didn't play Monday. Obviously that's not the case, though the Red Sox are insisting that him being scratched was precautionary. "I was handing out the lineup card and he was out in left field trying to get loose," Pawtucket manager Gary DiSarcina said. "When I came back the trainer came up and said [Ortiz] had left mild heel pain. He was removed for precautionary reasons, so he'll be reexamined tomorrow." Even if this turns out to be just a minor setback, you'd have to believe Ortiz probably won't be activated on Friday as originally hoped. More will be known about his status after he's re-evaluated on Tuesday.

David Ortiz (heels) was scratched from Monday's rehab game for a second straight day. Ortiz was ill Sunday, so that's presumably why he's out again. It's not clear at this point whether his expected return on Friday might be pushed back a bit.

David Ortiz (heels) was scratched from Sunday's rehab game with Triple-A Pawtucket due to illness. Ortiz's heels are fine, but he's a little under the weather. The DH remains on track to rejoin the Red Sox on Friday.

David Ortiz (heels) went 1-for-4 with a two-run single in his second rehab game Saturday at Triple-A Pawtucket. It's an encouraging sign for Ortiz, who has been out since the start of the regular season. He hasn't reported any setbacks in his rehab assignment and is hoping to rejoin the Red Sox later this month.

The Red Sox are hoping that David Ortiz (heels) can join the active roster on April 19. Ortiz has been playing in extended spring training games for the past couple of days and is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Thursday at Triple-A Pawtucket. The veteran designated hitter will be a must-start in fantasy leagues once he settles in. He's been out since the start of the season because of inflammation in both of his heels.

David Ortiz (heels) will begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Pawtucket. Ortiz hasn't had any issues this week during extended spring training games, so he's ready to test himself against more advanced competition. If all goes well, the veteran slugger should be ready to join the Red Sox in about a week.

David Ortiz (heels) went 2-for-5 in an extended spring training game Tuesday in south Florida. Ortiz will play in another extended spring training game on Wednesday before embarking on a minor league rehab assignment. He should join the Red Sox in about a week.

David Ortiz (heels) went 2-for-4 with a single and a double Monday in a simulated game. Red Sox manager John Farrell called it a "strong day." Ortiz is slated to play again on Tuesday and Wednesday and could be cleared for a minor league assignment from there if all goes well. The Red Sox hope to have him back around the middle of the month.

David Ortiz (heels) could begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday. Ortiz will play in extended spring training games on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and if that goes well could be cleared to join the Red Sox' Triple-A affiliate. He should be activated from the DL in a week or so if he can avoid a setback.