Struggling slugger David Ortiz is getting a break from the Boston Red Sox lineup.

Ortiz wasn't in the lineup for Thursday's series opener at Texas, following a five-game stretch when he had only one hit in 20 at-bats.

Red Sox manager John Farrell indicated before the game that Ortiz might be out of the lineup for a couple of games, giving him a chance to work on a few things.

Ortiz is hitting .216 with six home runs and 18 RBIs in 43 games this season

Hanley Ramirez was the designated hitter for the series opener against the Rangers.

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