David Ortiz begins rehab stint on Thursday, goes 2 for 3 with RBI

Working his way back from an Achilles injury, the Red Sox's David Ortiz went 2-for-3 in a minor-league game Thursday. (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz began a minor-league rehab assignment Thursday night with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI and run scored in his first game action since last August.

Ortiz hadn't played in an actual game since last August, when he was shut down due to an Achilles injury. He also didn't play for most of July due to the injury.

Before the game, Ortiz told reporters that he was looking to get his timing back during his minor-league stint.

"When it comes down to hitting, I haven't played in a while, so you just want go back to that zone that everybody knows you need to be able to dominate once you get to the bigs, because otherwise, it'll give you a hard time," Ortiz said, according to ESPN.com. "On the other hand, I want to make sure my foot is doing well."

Ortiz played well in 90 games last season, batting .318 with 23 homers, 60 RBI and a 1.026 OPS.

Even without Ortiz, the Red Sox are off to a fairly strong start in 2013. After a loss to the Orioles on Thursday, they stood tied with Baltimore atop the American League East at 5-4.

"Awesome, man," Ortiz said of the club's start, according to ESPN. "When you can win games at the beginning and start things ahead it's easier down the road, so seeing everybody playing well, and our pitching has been outstanding and it gets no better."