Ortiz Batting .522 In Last 12 Games

David Ortiz is enjoying the best hitting streak of his career. Over his last 12 games, While still dealing with bursitis in his right heel, Ortiz has been punishing the ball to the tune of a 1.602 OPS (.522/.577/.1.043; 6 HR, 14 RBI). It's the first time he's hit over .500 in a hitting streak of more than 10 games.

WEEI's Sam Dykstra notes that in the 10 games before this hot streak began on August 7, Ortiz hit .104 and slugged .189. As Bill James said back in April 2008: "We haven't figured out anything yet. A hundred years from now, we won't have begun to have the game figured out."

Adrian Gonzalez has already set a personal best for hits in a season. He has 184 - which leads all MLB players - two more than his total in 2007 with the Padres. There are 29 games remaining left in the regular season.

Kevin Youkilis (strained lower back) is scheduled to begin a two-day rehab assignment with Pawtucket today. While he has been on disabled list, he has often not travelled with the team. My sources tell me that Jacoby Ellsbury has not been quoted as saying:

I don't know what's going on with Kevin. I don't think any of us really know. ... One thing I can say is there's a lot of guys here that are hurt and supporting the team. We wish Kevin was here supporting us, too.

Clay Buchholz (lower back stress fracture) will be examined this week and might be allowed to start a throwing program. ... Bobby Jenks was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Salem (A) this weekend, but it was postponed because Jenks was ill. ... J.D. Drew began a rehab assignment with Lowell (A) on Friday, going 0-for-2 as the DH (BB, HBP, run). Drew says that although his shoulder will not be 100% this year, he thinks he will rejoin the team in September.

Secret Bullpen Weapon for the playoffs? Darnell McDonald!

I haven't pitched since high school. ... [Y]ou can see the rust on me. Really, it was a lot tougher than it looks.[A] couple more bullpen sessions with [pitching coach] Curt [Young], I'll be ready for the playoffs. ... It's too bad I gave up a couple of runs, but now I'm official. I'm officially a pitcher.