Red Sox place David Ortiz on DL, activate Daisuke Matsuzaka

Has David Ortiz made his last appearance in a Red Sox uniform? (Getty Images)

As expected, the Red Sox both activated right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka in advance of his Monday afternoon start against the Royals and placed DH David Ortiz on the disabled list because of lingering problems with his right Achilles'.

Manager Bobby Valentine has previously indicated that Ortiz could miss the rest of the 2012 season. If we have indeed seen the last of Big Papi this season, then he'll end the year with a healthy batting line of .318/.415/.611 and 23 home runs. Ortiz will be eligible for free agency this winter.

That fact, of course, raises the possibilility that Ortiz has put on a Red Sox uniform for the last time. While it seems likely that the Sox will re-up with one of their all-time greats (who, obviously, can still rake), the changes afoot in Boston leave at least a bit of doubt.

Dice-K, meanwhile, hasn't pitched since July 2 because of a strained trapezius muscle. On the season, he has an ERA of 6.65 in 23.0 innings pitched. He's also working his way back from Tommy John surgery and, like Ortiz, can become a free agent this offseason.

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