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Ortiz to address ’03 drug test on Saturday

Red Sox slugger, incoming union head plan news conference

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updated 12:05 a.m. ET Aug. 7, 2009

NEW YORK - Red Sox star David Ortiz may soon provide more details about his 2003 drug test.

The Boston slugger and incoming players’ union head Michael Weiner plan a news conference Saturday at Yankee Stadium before the Red Sox play New York.

Ortiz said last week that the union confirmed his name was on the list of 104 major leaguers who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003. He hasn’t divulged any additional details since then.

“I’m going to let you guys know what I’ve got. Period,” Ortiz said after the Yankees beat the Red Sox 13-6.

Asked if the drug test distraction was getting into his head, he said: “Sometimes.”

Big Papi was back in the Boston lineup after sitting out a game, and went 0 for 5. The designated hitter has been stuck in a season-long slump and is batting .222 with 15 home runs and 61 RBIs.

Red Sox owner John Henry said the team won’t comment on the drug test until Ortiz has discussed it.

“I’m going to let David speak first,” Henry said Thursday at an event in Boston. “As soon as he speaks, then we’ll have something to say.”

The list of players who tested positive in 2003 is now under court seal. The players’ union does not plan a court challenge to get Ortiz’s results unsealed, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because it’s a pending legal matter.

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Weiner is the union’s general counsel and No. 3 official. Union head Donald Fehr is planning to step down, and has recommended that Weiner take over.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he hadn’t noticed Ortiz acting any differently since The New York Times reported last week the star’s name was on the 2003 list.

“I see him handling things very well,” Francona said before the game.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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