Ellsbury to Play In Minor League Game Today
Mar 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jacoby Ellsbury is back, and hopefully for good.
A day after taking batting practice and participating in running drills, the star center fielder reported “feeling good.” This is a big step for the injury-prone Ellsbury, who came to the Bronx this off-season with a hefty price tag. Injuries seem to be the only thing that will hold the speedster back. The Yankees need him at the top of the lineup. The dynamic he brings to the team is crucial.
The Yankees are taking one more precaution with Ellsbury. Instead of allowing him to play in Grapefruit League games right away, he will start by playing in a Minor League game. This will allow to the Yankees to backdate putting him on the disabled list if he experiences a setback. I think we all hope this is a formality that does not surface. Jacoby certainly feels it is.
“I told you from the start, I thought I could play” Ellsbury said. “But it’s one of those things, we have the luxury of spring training and getting 100%. That’s pretty much — at this point you don’t want to feel anything in the calf. I play center field, I run the bases, I use my legs. So why not be 100 %”
Let’s keep our fingers crossed the new lead off man is 100 %.