Red Sox DH David Ortiz not in final home starting lineup vs. Yankees

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Monday, September 19, 2016

BOSTON -- Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was not in the starting lineup for Sunday night's series finale against the New York Yankees, a 5-4 victory over their rivals.

The 40-year-old Ortiz, who announced in November that it would be his final season, was 5-for-10 with a homer and five RBIs in the first three games against the Yankees, all wins by American League East-leading Boston.

Manager John Farrell said it was the right day to give Ortiz a break.

"When I talked to David after Friday night's game -- larger part because of the number of times he was on base and the extent to which he ran, a quick turnaround on Saturday -- we talked about the upcoming two days, yesterday and today," Farrell said. "With the late arrival, likely 4 a.m., this was the day to give him down."

Ortiz did come off the bench as a pinch hitter, striking out in his only at-bat of the game.

Boston opens a 10-game road trip Monday night, with the first of four against second-place Baltimore.

Ortiz is hitting .318 with 34 homers and 116 RBIs this season. He leads the majors with 47 doubles.

Earlier in the day, Ortiz went out for the coin toss as an honorary captain with theNew England Patriotsbefore their game against Miami. He wore a No. 12Tom Bradyjersey before putting on a No. 34 with "Big Papi" on the back that was presented by Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Ortiz also posed for selfies with members of the officiating crew.