Cesar Tordesillas

Jupiter, FL

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz admitted that he may not be ready for Opening Day after an MRI revealed inflammation in his heels that needs five to seven days of complete rest.

"Opening Day was my goal," Ortiz said. "Right now, Opening Day seems like it's not the case."

Red Sox manager John Farrell said Ortiz would be shut down for five to seven days, during which he will forgo physical activity and will take anti-inflammatory medicine.

The 37-year-old Ortiz first strained his right Achilles in July 2012 and missed all but one of last season's remaining games.

Ortiz spent the offseason resting it in hopes of being ready for this season, but after stepping up his camp workouts to include running drills, he felt soreness in both heels.

"I've been working really hard this offseason just to make sure I am good to go for the season," Ortiz said. "And this happened. It's not me being me, you know?"

However, Farrell and Ortiz heaved a high of relief after it was revealed that the soreness was in his heel and not the right Achilles.

"I knew it wasn't the Achilles," Ortiz said. "We had an MRI in December and my Achilles was pretty good. And we had an MRI right now and my Achilles is not the issue. It's just inflammation right behind it and we're working on that now."

Farrell said he's looking at first baseman Mike Napoli and left fielder Mike Carp to fill the designated hitter spot until Ortiz returns.

"Not to give you a short answer and try to avoid it," Farrell said. "It's safe to say we don't have another David Ortiz waiting to occupy that slot."

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BoSox Slugger David Ortiz could miss Opening Day due to sore heels