BOSTON — It will be another week or so before David Ortiz knows if his ailing wrist is healing properly, but the Red Sox slugger, placed on the disabled list last weekend, got some relief over the weekend.

Initially placed in a hard cast that extended well above his elbow, making sleep difficult, Ortiz was outfitted with a scaled-down cast that isn’t nearly as unwieldy.

"They gave me a new one," said Ortiz. "I felt like I had broken my arm."

Ortiz knows his rehab will be lengthy. In a best-case scenario, the torn sheath that houses a tendon in his left wrist will heal thanks to the inactivity and he could return in another few weeks.

"Hopefully, it goes by fast," he said. "I can’t stand to watch games on TV."

During this homestand, Ortiz has been coming to Fenway for treatment and some cardiovascular workouts. By 8 p.m., not long after the start of the team’s game, he’s usually on his way home.

"I’ve got to keep working out," he said. "I can run and do some exercises with my legs. Right now, I still can work out normally. I just can’t lift (weights because of the wrist)."

The other unintended benefit to the downtime, Ortiz pointed out, is he can rest his surgically-repaired knee. Ortiz’ knee was improving earlier this season until he made the ill-fated decision to dive into the first-base bag in Tampa Bay in late April.

The month off should help restore the knee to full strength, and the reduced wear-and-tear could pay dividends in the second half of the season.

It helps that, in his absence, J.D. Drew has enjoyed his finest stretch since becoming a member of the Sox. Drew has slipped into Ortiz’ usual No. 3 spot in the batting order and producing runs.

"I’m happy to see my teammates doing well, especially J.D.," he said.

Had the team slumped without him, Ortiz would have a different approach to his rehab.

"It makes you feel like you have to rush back," he said. "You’re not 100 percent, and next thing you know, you’re back on the DL."

Ortiz said he doesn’t plan to accompany the Sox on their upcoming six-game road trip to Cincinnati and Philadelphia. Instead, he will remain in Boston and work out with physical therapist Scott Waugh.