Daily Red Sox Links: David Ortiz, Will Middlebrooks, Clay Buchholz

David Ortiz insists he's ready to return to Boston on Friday after his latest rehab appearance with Pawtucket, which the designated hitter finished 1 for 3 with a home run and two strikeouts. (Tim Britton; Providence Journal)

Alex Speier has more on Ortiz, specifically the 37-year-old's contract and how it is not a motive for his return. (Alex Speier; WEEI.com)

Since his three-home run performance against the Blue Jays on April 7, Will Middlebrooks is 2 for 30 with one RBI. He's not worried, though. (Rob Bradford; WEEI.com)

Clay Buchholz may very well make the biggest start of his career tomorrow. (John Tomase; Boston Herald)

Hey you know which bullpen duo has been lights out thus far for the Sox, and possibly the entire league? Tazawa-Uehara. (Evan Drellich; MassLive.com)

Spring training stats are not precursors to early regular season success, just ask Jackie Bradley and the other 11 guys who bested the Red Sox outfielder's magnificent spring. (Brian MacPherson; Providence Journal)

MacPherson also unveiled a potential hidden gem in the Red Sox' coaching staff. Possibly the Sox version of Justin Verlander. (Brian MacPherson; Providence Journal)