Jul 04, 2007 8:33 AM EST

David Ortiz is still not physically right. Yesterday, before the Red Sox? series opener with Tampa Bay, the DH admitted that his right quadriceps is still bothering him. Ortiz insists the ailment isn?t going to stop him from going to the All-Star Game - or keeping his spot in the Sox lineup.

?I?ve got to fight,? Ortiz said. ?I don?t want people to think that I?m struggling right now for any kind of excuse. There are a lot of people in this room who are watching me to see how I do and see how I deal with the tough times. I have to keep that in mind. It?s a roller coaster. There are some days I have to walk through this room and go straight to the trainer?s room because (the quad) is hurting. A day like today, I?m feeling good. It was worse in the cold weather. It was bad.?

Via Boston Herald