David Ortiz was 0 for 3 in his return to Boston’s lineup after a nine-day absence, and the Red Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 Thursday.
Eduardo Escobar had a long home run for the Twins. Tommy Milone, trying to win a spot in the starting rotation, gave up three runs in five innings.
Bothered by a cold and dehydration, Ortiz had not played since March 16. Ortiz struck out, grounded into a forceout and popped out against Tommy Milone, dropping his average to .222 (4 for 18).
Mike Napoli was 1 for 3 in his first big league game since March 18. He had been sidelined by a sore right ankle.
Rusney Castillo hit a 10th-inning home run off Jake Reed. Castillo, who signed a $72.5 million, seven-year contract, has two homers in spring training.
Mookie Betts hit his seventh double, walked and scored a run.
Red Sox starter Wade Miley allowed three runs and four hits in six innings, struck out four and walked one. Milone gave up three runs and six hits in five innings.
