Alex Rodriguez received support from his manager and teammates when Ryan Dempster plunked the Yankees slugger on Sunday night.

Three days later, David Ortiz also stuck up for Rodriguez, telling USA TODAY Sports that he disapproved of Dempster throwing at A-Rod.

"I didn't like it. I don't think it was the right thing to do," Ortiz told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. "But we don't all think alike, and the guy who did it -- Dempster -- is a great guy."