Ellsbury Not Ready to Return…Or Is He?

After injuring his ankle while sliding into home plate on Friday against the Blue Jays, Jacoby Ellsbury was not able to play the rest of the series other than one at bat as a pinch-hitter on Saturday. An initial test showed no structural damage to his ankle, but he has remained out of the starting lineup which has raised some concern. He was scheduled to have an MRI on Sunday and then another appointment on Monday, but the results of those are unknown at this point.

The Yankees begin a 3-game series against the Red Sox tonight and Ellsbury will likely not play, but that is not official yet. This injury could not have come at a worse time for a Yankee time fighting to stay in the race for a playoff spot. Ellsbury had been on a tear before getting injured. He was 21-for-45 during his hot streak, including a .423 average while batting leadoff.

More from Yankees News

• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step

When asked about Ellsbury’s status, Girardi told the NY Post

“We are still concerned about some of the things, starting and stopping and maybe sliding and maybe jamming it again. We will see how he is on Tuesday.” 

With the rumors of Tanaka possibly coming back to pitch in September, Ellsbury’s health is vital for the Yankees in helping their chances of getting a wild-card spot (or passing the Orioles which is still statistically possible.)

The Yankees and Red Sox square off tonight in the Bronx. First pitch is at 7:05.

***UPDATE***

The latest report has center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury in tonight’s lineup against the Boston Red Sox for the opener of the three-game set in the Bronx tonight.