After struggling at the plate so far this season, David Ortiz is getting a (much-needed?) break tonight and will not be in the lineup. The Pro-Jo is calling it a "mental health day off" -- but I'm inclined to think it's "give Papi a break from the spotlight glare while also giving him a kick in the pants" thing... but I guess that's too big of a mouthful to say properly. How about a "Calgon, Take Me Away" Day?

For his part, Papi sounds all very zen about the whole thing:

"I know exactly what I'm doing wrong. Everything is right here," said Ortiz, pointing to his head, as he sat at his locker before batting practice.

Ortiz said manager Terry Francona told him the previous night that he would have tonight off.

"I'm just going to chill," said Ortiz. "I have to stop thinking too much and fighting myself. I've been there before. I've been messed up before. Big time, big time. I know I'll be out of it at some point. It happens to all of us. I'll be all right.

"This game is very mental. Your mind takes over. I know in my my situation, my mind works more than anything else. Once you get physically prepared your mind takes over and sometimes you're fighting, fighting, fighting (yourself). Sometimes you have to chill out and come back with a fresh mind. The manager can see things. Terry knows what to do. I always do everything Terry tells me to do," said Ortiz.

Ortiz said his troubles at the plate are not the result of offseason surgery on his right knee.

"I'm fine," said Ortiz. "I don't get frustrated at all. I'm just trying to get back to being Big Papi again."

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Manny Ramirez, DH
5. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
6. Sean Casey, 1B
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Coco Crisp, CF
9. Julio Lugo, SS

Don't be surprised to see Alex Cora coming in off the bench to provide relief-- the Herald is reporting that he took some throws during tonight's BP, and is expected to be cleared to play.