The Giants paid tribute to Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz before Tuesday’s game, showing a video of his career highlights then presenting him with a bell off a San Francisco cable car.
Hall of Famer Willie McCovey represented the team along with two of Ortiz’s former teammates, Javier Lopez and Jake Peavy.
The crowd, which included many Red Sox fans, gave Ortiz a loud cheer and he tipped his cap to all sides of the field.
Ortiz was not in the starting lineup, however. Manager John Farrell said his plan was to use Ortiz only as a pinch hitter in this series.
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Ortiz got his chance in the seventh, tying the game, 3-3, with a grounder to short that brought home Jackie Bradley Jr.
Going back to spring training, Ortiz has not played first base this season and the Sox do not want to add wear and tear on his legs.
“His volume on the base paths is up about 40 percent,” Farrell said. “We’re having to manage that. There’s some maintenance that’s required with his lower legs, his heels.”
Farrell noted the Sox are taking Ortiz out of games more frequently than in previous seasons. The long-term goal is to keep him on the roster all season.
“I don’t want to risk losing him,” Farrell said “David’s been great as far as days where he’s not felt 100 percent but he’s pushed it . . . I can’t say this is a situation that’s worsening, but we’ve got to be mindful of the wear and tear that he’s gone through as a 40-year-old.”
Video: Giants present gift to David Ortiz
Thank you, @sfgiants, for recognizing @davidortiz before tonight's game! #ThanksPapi https://t.co/4FJt711zhC
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) June 8, 2016
Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @peteabe.