BOSTON -- Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz was out of the lineup for the second consecutive day on Wednesday with a stiff lower back, and he’s hoping to return in the next few days.

Ortiz was clearly in discomfort Wednesday morning in the Red Sox clubhouse and was wearing a back brace. He said it started to hurt on the plane ride home Sunday from Tampa. This is the first time Ortiz has dealt with a back issue like this.

“No. I never have, thank God,” he said. “It’s a spasm you get out of nowhere. I was feeling OK [Tuesday] and I came in and did my workout, but once I cooled off it hit me again. I told [Terry Francona] about it right before the game.”

He said that when he left the ballpark Tuesday night he felt much better, but he couldn’t sleep because of the tightness.

“It started in my lower back and then it went side to side,” explained Ortiz. “I’m feeling all the pressure now in my right side.”

Ortiz said he doesn’t think he’ll need an MRI.

“There’s nothing you can do about it,” he said. “Heat, cold and stretch.”