MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins released David Ortiz in December of 2002, coming to the unusual conclusion that they didn’t need a 26-year-old slugger who had 53 extra-base hits in 412 at-bats the previous season.
The Red Sox signed Ortiz five weeks later and it was in Boston where he became a star, leading his new team to three World Series championships.
The Twins have long regretted their mistake. But on Friday night they will celebrate Ortiz with a tribute to mark his final trip to Target Field.
Ortiz will get more than a hokey gift from his old team. Ron Gardenhire, who managed Ortiz in 2002, will take part in the ceremony along with former teammate and longtime friend Torii Hunter. Other Twins teammates also are expected.
“I’m just going to go there and have fun,’’ Ortiz said. “I’d like to win some games, see some of my boys. I heard some of my boys are going to be there. That will be fun.’’
Ortiz often speaks fondly of his time in Minnesota, particularly getting to know Kirby Puckett and growing up in the organization with players such as Hunter, Matt Lawton, Corey Koskie, and LaTroy Hawkins.
Ortiz has tortured the Twins since they released him. He has hit .323 in 67 games against Minnesota with a 1.042 OPS, his highest against any American League team.
In 17 games at Target Field, Ortiz is 30 of 69 (.435) with nine home runs and 23 RBIs. Has he enjoyed some revenge?
“I don’t know,’’ Ortiz said with a little grin. “I just try to do something. I’ve had good success against Minnesota through the years, hopefully continuing until the last day I play.’’
Wright gets a break
The Red Sox had a day off on Monday and another on Thursday. For Steven Wright, that meant an extra day of rest before his start against the Twins on Friday.
“You get the rest now and hopefully it helps you in August and September,’’ Wright said. “If you’re on a roll, you want to stay in your usual routine. But as long as you get your work in, it doesn’t matter.
Wright is indeed on a roll. The knuckleballer is third in the AL with a 2.29 earned run average and ninth in WHIP at 1.13. Wright is 3-3 with a 1.79 ERA in six starts on the road.
His last three road starts were complete games.
“In today’s game, that’s almost unheard of,’’ manager John Farrell said. “He’s been a very stable, dependable, constant pitcher.’’
Wright faced the Twins at Fenway Park on June 4, 2015, and allowed three earned runs over six innings.
Streaking on
Dustin Pedroia has hit safely in 15 consecutive games, at 23 of 62 (.371). A Red Sox player has had the longest active hitting streak in the majors since May 3 . . . Chris Young is 20 of 50 (.400) in his last 16 games with 11 extra-base hits and 11 RBIs.
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.
