BOSTON -- David Ortiz, the Sox’ injured DH, was sworn in as an American citizen yesterday at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

The slugger, for some reason, denied the report when asked about it in the clubhouse — even though photographers captured the moment. But Red Sox spokesman John Blake confirmed the story.

Manager Terry Francona didn’t even know. When asked about it during his afternoon meeting with the media, the manager asked, “Is that why he had a sports coat on? I didn’t know.”

The 32-year-old Ortiz, a native of the Dominican Republic, held an American flag in one hand as he recited the Pledge of Allegiance with the other new citizens. He was joined by many members of his family, including his father, Americo, who said in Spanish afterward he was proud of his son.

Fellow Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez became a U.S. citizen in May of 2004 and then ran out to left field to start the game with a small American flag in his hand.

jmcdonal@projo.com