Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday as planned.
Ortiz has told Red Sox manager John Farrell that he would feel comfortable returning to Boston after 25 to 30 at-bats for Pawtucket, which puts him on track to potentially rejoin the Red Sox for their April 19-21 series against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park.
He has missed all but one game since injuring his Achilles last July.