MINNEAPOLIS — David Ortiz has been dropped to sixth in Boston’s batting order.

The slump-ridden designated hitter entered Tuesday’s game at Minnesota with a .195 batting average and only one home run and 18 RBIs. Red Sox manager Terry Francona hopes Ortiz can be comfortable lower in the order and avoid the pressure of hitting third. Francona says the change isn’t permanent and isn’t punishment.
Francona waited to drop down Ortiz until the Red Sox were on the road.
As promised, Francona also held third baseman Mike Lowell out of Tuesday’s lineup for rest. The 35-year-old is coming off offseason hip surgery and started 44 of Boston’s first 45 games — sitting only for half of a doubleheader.