Papi released from hospital.

September 1, 200620 yr

BOSTON -- After a series of heart tests, David Ortiz was released from Massachusetts General Hospital on Thursday.

Meanwhile, on a Dominican radio station Thursday, Ortiz said that doctors told him to rest Thursday and practice Friday, according to The Associated Press. If that goes well, he could be returning the lineup as soon as Saturday.

"My health is fine," Ortiz told Dominican Republic radio station Z-101 on Thursday. "The doctors have told me to rest today and practice Friday so I can be ready to return to the playing field on Saturday,"

Red Sox manager Terry Francona, reading from a prepared statement, updated Ortiz's condition during his meeting with reporters prior to Thursday's game.

"David Ortiz has undergone extensive testing at Massachusetts General Hospital," Francona said. "He was discharged and went home on Thursday morning. David is receiving continued outpatient monitoring and evaluation at this time. His return to play is pending the clearance from his doctors."

Asked when the club could expect Ortiz's return to action, Francona was cautious.

"I talked to David today," Francona said. "I think he was very upbeat. At the same time, we sent him home to be careful. To deviate from that plan now would be, in my opinion, stupid, and we're not going to be stupid."

Ortiz, the American League leader in homers (47) and RBI (121), was taken out of Boston's lineup indefinitely after another episode of heart palpitations prior to Monday night's game in Oakland.

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