Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) points to fans while going into the dugout after the Red Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game at Fenway Park, Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) points to fans while going into the dugout after the Red Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game at Fenway Park, Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) Credit: Elise Amendola

Boston — In what’s become a regular scene, David Ortiz stepped into the dugout, preparing for batting practice, when a team staff member asked if he was ready.

Not far away, a group of fans waited to be brought in, eager to chat briefly with the 40-year-old Ortiz, take a photo and wish him well.

In Big Papi’s final season, everyone who comes to Fenway Park wants their chance to say goodbye — and it’s taking a toll on Boston’s larger-than-life designated hitter.

“Very busy. Kind of tired of it, a little worn out,” the Red Sox star told The Associated Press before a nationally televised game against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday night.

Nearing the last month of his 20th regular season, Ortiz at times wishes he didn’t pronounce this his final year. The baseball season is long and hard enough, and this goodbye grind is more than he anticipated.

“My job is kind of tiring,” he said. “Adding more things to it is a lot. … I’m really busy and not getting to enjoy things.”

Of course, no one would know that by the way he’s hitting.

Entering Sunday, Ortiz is batting .319 and leading the Red Sox with 30 homers and 100 RBIs. He’s reached 30/100 for a club-record 10th time — Hall of Famer Ted Williams is next on the list with seven.

His season has been so good, many around the majors have said the slugger should come back for a 21st year.

At last month’s All-Star Game in San Diego, Angels star Mike Trout said, “I don’t think Big Papi is going to retire. I keep telling him that. With those numbers, I wouldn’t.”

This month, during an on-field ceremony honoring Ortiz in Detroit, Tigers star Miguel Cabrera, speaking in Spanish, pleaded with Ortiz to play another season.

Ortiz laughs at those comments.

Ortiz doesn’t save mentorship for teammates. He often chats with opponents on the field during batting practice and takes pride in others cherishing his advice.

“I always talk to them. We have that relationship through the years,” he said. “It’s because those guys always come to us for advice. Whenever someone can give you advice, you turn to them as your mentor, somehow, some way.”

Sunday’s GameRoyals 10, Red Sox 4

Boston — Raul Mondesi hit a bases-loaded triple and Eric Hosmer added a two-run single during an eight-run sixth inning, lifting surging Kansas City over Boston.

Salvador Perez hit his third solo homer in two games for Kansas City, which took two of three at Fenway Park and got its 17th win in 21 games.

David Ortiz hit his 534th career homer, a solo shot, for the Red Sox, tying Jimmie Foxx for 18th on the career list. Boston has lost four of five.

Matt Strahm (2-0) pitched 2 2/3 innings of hitless relief for the win.

Eduardo Rodriguez (2-6) gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings before the bullpen allowed five more in the sixth.