Jonathan Papelbon has burned a lot of bridges in his major league career, but David Ortiz says the embattled reliever is still welcome in Boston.
"I don't know what happened there at the Nationals, but he was a great guy (with the Red Sox) and we would welcome him back with open arms," Ortiz told ESPN Deportes on Wednesday. "And we need help in the bullpen. We definitely do."
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Papelbon broke in with the Red Sox in 2005 and became a four-time All-Star while saving 219 games in seven seasons in Boston. He asked for his release from the Nationals on Saturday after losing the closer role to recently acquired Mark Melancon, and is expected to sign with a new club within the coming days.
Papelbon left Boston in 2011 after signing a $50 million contract with the Phillies, but experienced discontent with the club and fans before being dealt to the Nats last season.
He eventually wore out his welcome with D.C. fans when he choked reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper during the club's final home game of 2015. The Nats suspended Papelbon for the remainder of the season.
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"He started here and the fans love him," Ortiz said. "Jonathan is like a brother to me. He's a great guy and an amazing teammate. His teammates were always first to him. It would be fabulous to have him back."
Ortiz's words echo those of former Red Sox teammate Jon Lester, who hopes Papelbon decides to sign with Lester's current team, the Cubs.
"He just gets a bad rap for what happened in the dugout," Lester said, via ESPN.com. "Knowing Papelbon, I've always had good things to say about him as a teammate, how he respects the game and how he goes about his business."
Papelbon, 35, has a 4.37 ERA, a 1.46 WHIP and a 31:14 K:BB ratio in 35 innings this season.