The 500 Home Run Club gained another member on Saturday as David Ortiz became the 27th player to reach the milestone with a solo shot to right field off of Matt Moore in the fifth inning.
The home run was the second of the day for Ortiz, who hit No. 499 in the first inning to bring home Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts. Of Ortiz’s 500 home runs, 442 have come with the Red Sox, which places him third on the franchise’s all-time list, ten behind Carl Yastrzemski. Immediately in front of Ortiz on Major League Baseball’s all-time list are Eddie Murray (504) and Gary Sheffield (509).
Since he’s surpassed the minimum 425 plate appearances needed this season, Ortiz triggered the option in his contract for 2016. This means Red Sox fans will get to see their beloved designated hitter for atleast one more season, unless of course he decides to hang up the cleats for good.
Ortiz came into Saturday’s game with 545 plate appearances, which guarantees him $13 million for 2016. That amount increases to $14 million at 550 and $15 million at 575.
