David Ortiz: Papi Is Back

“Sorry, guys. I don’t feel like talking today. Just put down, ‘Papi stinks.”’ 

That was Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz's take on his miserable slump during the first two months of the season.

Ortiz struggled through April and May, hitting under .200 with just one lone home run.  He was experiencing the worst slump of his career.

He was benched several times by manager Terry Francona.

Through his slump Ortiz was clearly frustrated.  Many believed it got to his head.  We saw him throw bats and punch things after pop-ups and strikeouts.

But in the month of June, it looks like Big Papi is back to his old form.

Since June 6, Ortiz is hitting .357 with a .480 on-base percentage and a .833 slugging percentage.  He has also tallied 6 home runs this month.

“We got a good thing going,’’ said Ortiz after last night's 6-4 win over the Nationals in which he hit his first three-run home run since last September.

“Nobody in this clubhouse doubted he could do it,’’ said Jon Lester, who picked up his sixth win on the mound last night. “It’s just a matter of himself believing that he could.’’

Red Sox nation never gave up either.  At Fenway and on the Road, Ortiz received numerous standing ovations and lots of cheers.

It's safe to say: Big Papi is back!