Adrian Gonzalez will appear in the outfield for the first time since 2005 -- and only his second career game overall -- as David Ortiz will man first base during Wednesday's game at Philadelphia, John Tomase of the Boston Herald reports.The nine-game swing through National League parks has put skipper Terry Francona in a bind when it comes to fitting in the Red Sox's two best hitters. Both Gonzalez (pictured, right) and Ortiz (pictured, left) play first, although Big Papi hasn't played first base on a regular basis in years, instead serving as Boston's DH. The NL doesn't recognize the DH, instead opting for automatic outs in pitchers to take the plate, so that's relegated Big Papi to the bench.
It would be one thing if Ortiz was performing like a hitter on the decline, but he most certainly is not. It's been a resurgence for the slugger, currently checking in with a .311/.391/.581 line in 307 plate appearances with 17 home runs. That's a lot of production to waste on the bench sans the occasional pinch-hit appearance.
At least on Wednesday, that will change. Papi will take the field and hit against right-hander Vance Worley, which certainly had to factor into the decision. While Ortiz is raking left-handers like never before, he historically has struggled against those and two top-tier lefties start for Philadelphia in the series: Cliff Lee on Tuesday and Cole Hamels on Thursday. The drawback? A-Gon plays the outfield with Boston's worst pitcher on the mound in John Lackey, who gives up hits in copious amounts. Better do some extra stretches pregame.
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