Red Sox pledge support after former slugger Ortiz is shot in the back

The Boston Red S ox have pledged their support to their former player David Ortiz as he recovers from a gunshot wound.

The former designated hitter, now 43, was shot in the back in his hometown of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic but is reportedly in a stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

A Red S ox statement read: “Late last night we were made aware of an incident involving David Ortiz in the Dominican Republic.

“David’ s family has confirmed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the lower back/ abdominal region. David is being treated at Clinica Abel Gonzalez in Santo Domingo where he is recovering after surgery. We have offered David’ s family all available resources to aid in his recover y and will continue to keep them in our hearts.”

Ortiz, known as“Big Papi”, played 14 seasons for the Red S ox, winning three World Series with them, having previously represented the Minnesota Twins.

He hit 541 home runs in his career, holding the Major League Baseball record for a designated hitter, and was World Series MVP in 2013.

His fellow Dominican, Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez, tweeted a picture of the pair together accompanied by the message: “I’m at peace knowing you out of danger; you a strong man Comp ai, can’t wait to hear your voice. My thoughts and prayers are with you, see you soon.”

Former Red S ox player Blake Swihart wrote that Ortiz “has made an impact on so many” and “will be back being Big Papi”.