Boston slugger David Ortiz, off to the worst start of his career, was back in Boston’s starting lineup on Monday night against Cleveland after getting a day off to clear his head and find his batting stroke.

Ortiz was in his familiar No. 3 spot as Boston’s DH, one night after sitting out a nationally televised game against the New York Yankees. Big Papi, who underwent offseason knee surgery, is batting .070 with three hits in 43 at-bats. He entered Monday’s game in an 0-for-17 slide.

Following a conversation with manager Terry Francona on Boston’s flight to Cleveland, Ortiz sent a text message to Francona and told him he wanted to play.

Ortiz had little to say before facing Indians right-hander Jake Westbrook.

Asked if the day off helped, Ortiz said “We’ll see,” before heading to the indoor batting cages at Progressive Field.