MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Batting sixth, for Boston: David Ortiz.

Three games on the bench couldn’t get Ortiz going, so the latest remedy tried by Red Sox manager Terry Francona was to bump the slump-ridden designated hitter down in the order.

Francona made the change before Tuesday’s game at Minnesota, moving Ortiz out of the No. 3 spot for the first time since May 13, 2005. The last time he batted lower than fourth in the lineup was May 18, 2004.

Right fielder J.D. Drew was in Ortiz’s usual slot, a switch Francona waited to make until the Red Sox were on the road to avoid the perception he’s being punished.

“If I am to be accused of being slow on the trigger, I can live with that,” Francona said.

Over the last six seasons, from 2003 to 2008, Ortiz’s 731 RBIs were second most in the majors. But after a wrist injury limited his production last year, he has struggled badly this spring. He’s batting .195 with one homer and 18 RBIs.

Francona gave Ortiz an entire series off, May 15-17 in Seattle, but he went 3-for-24 last week.

So down he goes, perhaps to find less pressure in a lower spot.

“That would be the hope, that he doesn’t feel like he has to carry the team,” Francona said. “There are times when I’ve said it publicly, ‘We’re going to jump on his back and let him carry us for a couple weeks.’ That’s the kind of player he can be.”

The manager also suggested the change isn’t permanent.

“When he’s swinging the bat and he’s hitting third, I think we’re a better team,” Francona said.

Ortiz declined to speak with reporters before the game.

Third baseman Mike Lowell was on the bench Tuesday, as promised by Francona. The 35-year-old, coming off offseason hip surgery to fix one of several injuries that hampered him in 2008, started 44 of Boston’s first 45 games – sitting only for half of a doubleheader. Lowell has helped pick up the lost power production from Ortiz and the departed Manny Ramirez, with eight homers and 33 RBIs to go with a .305 batting average.

“He’s done a great job. I hope it helps him,” Francona said, referring to the rest, “because it is a long season. We need him, and he knows that.”

AP-ES-05-26-09 1930EDT