David Ortiz will appeal his four-game suspension. Ortiz told reporters Thursday that he doesn't want to sit out another whole week coming out of the All-Star break. He threw punches during an on-field brawl last Friday and probably won't have the punishment lessened, but the strategy at least makes sense.

David Ortiz was suspended for four games and fined an undisclosed amount for charging the mound at Orioles right-hander Kevin Gregg on July 8. Ortiz will likely appeal the suspension, which means he would still play this weekend against the Rays. Jarrod Saltalamacchia was also fined for "aggressive actions" during the benches-clearing incident while John Lackey was fined for throwing at Derrek Lee on Saturday.

Major League Baseball vice president Joe Torre said that a ruling on the Orioles-Red Sox brawl on Friday will come down later this week, probably on Thursday. Benches cleared when David Ortiz took umbrage to three inside pitches from Orioles' closer Kevin Gregg. Order was restored and Ortiz completed his at-bat by flying out to center field. He didn't charge the mound until Gregg started jawing at him. The two players exchanged blows, neither of which landed. Ortiz and Jarrod Saltalammacchia were ejected on the Boston side while Gregg and Jim Johnson were tossed for Baltimore. It's safe to say that Ortiz and Gregg will likely be suspended.

David Ortiz, a free agent this offseason, wants at least a two-year deal with an option for a third. Ortiz said he wanted to re-sign with the Red Sox. "You know what? I've been in this organization for nine years. My numbers ain't that bad, you know what I'm saying?" said Ortiz. "I don't think I need to open any more eyes than I have already. If you haven't seen me, you ain't." Ortiz, 36, was selected to the All-Star Game after pulverizing the ball to the tune of a .304/.391/.574 slash line in the first half.

David Ortiz was ejected from Friday's game against the Orioles in the bottom of the eighth inning for charging the mound. Benches cleared initially when Ortiz took umbrage to three inside pitches from Orioles' closer Kevin Gregg. Order was restored and Ortiz completed his at-bat by flying out to center field. He didn't charge the mound until Gregg started jawing at him from the mound. The two players exchanged blows, neither of which landed. Ortiz and Jarrod Saltalammacchia were ejected on the Boston side while Gregg and Jim Johnson were tossed for Baltimore. There will surely be some fines and suspensions on the way.

Making his first appearance at first base this season, David Ortiz went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Boston's 2-1 loss to the Phillies on Wednesday. Ortiz logged just three at-bats against the Pirates over the weekend before not appearing in Boston's Tuesday evening loss. It's a good bet he'll be rusty when the Red Sox finally return home to American League rules on Monday against the Blue Jays.

David Ortiz is not in Boston's Friday evening lineup in Pittsburgh. Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has offered to play some outfield during Boston's nine-game National League swing, but manager Terry Francona has not taken him up on the offer on day one of the trip. Although Big Papi may draw one or two starts, he'll be limited to pinch-hitting duty for most of the next 10 days.

David Ortiz joined in the fun on Monday, contributing two of Boston's 14 hits while knocking in a pair of runs and adding one of his own. After three straight seasons with a below .900 OPS, Ortiz currently owns a 1.006 mark to go with a .323 batting average. His 33/34 K/BB is equally surprising, as it's significantly better than his career 1.41/1 K/BB line. He is enjoying a throwback season as he seeks a contract extension for next season and beyond.