MLB | David Ortiz returns to Red Sox lineup after sitting for a day

CLEVELAND — A text message on Red Sox manager Terry Francona's cellphone delivered the good news: David Ortiz wanted in.

Off to the worst start of his career, Boston's slumping slugger was back in the starting lineup on Monday night against the Cleveland Indians after sitting out a game against the New York Yankees to clear his head and find his batting stroke.

Ortiz was in his familiar No. 3 spot as Boston's DH, one night after sitting out the nationally televised game.

Big Papi, who had offseason knee surgery, came in batting .070 with three hits in 43 at-bats. But he singled in his first at-bat against Jake Westbrook, ending an 0-for-17 slide and improving his average to .079 (3-for-38) against right-handers.

He went 2 for 5 and raised his average from .070 to .104.

Chamberlain leaves Yankees

after father collapses

Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain left the team after his father collapsed at home in Nebraska, and the pitcher was placed on the bereavement list.

Harlan Chamberlain was hospitalized Monday at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln. Hospital spokeswoman Jo Miller said the family requested no further information be released.

"He is currently in critical but stable condition," Joba Chamberlain said in a statement released by the team. "I also want to thank my teammates and my manager for giving me so much support when I have needed it most. Their actions are the reason I was able to reach my father's side as quickly as I did."

Notes

• Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels second baseman, is expected to miss at least a couple of games with a strained left hamstring. Kendrick wasn't in the starting lineup Monday night at Texas after getting hurt in the seventh inning of Sunday's 10-5 victory at Seattle. He is batting .500 (18 for 36) and has six hits in his last eight at-bats.

• The Oakland Athletics purchased the contract of right-hander Kirk Saarloos from Class AAA Sacramento and designated right-hander Fernando Hernandez for assignment.

• Tommy Holmes, who hit in 37 consecutive games in 1945 to set a modern National League record that stood until it was broken by Pete Rose in 1978, died Monday in Boca Raton, Fla. He was 91.

Holmes died of natural causes at an assisted living facility, daughter Patricia Stone said.

• The Texas Rangers recalled right-hander Wes Littleton from AAA Oklahoma and optioned right-hander Scott Feldman to Class AA Frisco.

• Tampa Bay left-hander Scott Kazmir threw 25 pitches over two innings in an extended spring training game Monday.