BOSTON — Toronto’s Jose Bautista says Boston’s David Ortiz has had a big influence on his career.

Bautista is the majors’ reigning home run king and the top vote-getter for next week’s All-Star game. He was excited to be selected by Ortiz as one of the AL’s four players to do the Home Run Derby.

Before the Blue Jays faced the Red Sox at Fenway Park on Monday, the Toronto slugger said Ortiz’s personality and willingness to talk to young players has helped many others.

The 30-year old Bautista says: “He’s done a lot for Dominican players that are coming into the game. With Robinson Cano, we’re going to have three Dominicans on the team, which is an honor.”