Ellsbury has yet another setback
Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury hurt a hip in his comeback from an oblique injury, a setback that means Aaron Hicks is likely to return from the disabled list first.
New York manager Aaron Boone disclosed Ellsbury’s latest malady on Tuesday. The 34-yearold outfielder did not play in any exhibition games from March 1 until March 24 and finished spring training 1 for 14.
“It’s going to cost him a couple days here,” Boone said. “Hopefully it’s something small and not a big deal and not a huge setback, but shut down for a couple days.”
Ellsbury is projected as a backup outfielder after losing the starting center field job to Hicks last season. Ellsbury is guaranteed $21,142,857 in each of the next three seasons as part of a
$153 million, seven-year contract that includes a $21 million team option for 2021 with a $5 million buyout.
He hit .264 with seven homers and 39 RBIS in 112 games last season. He was sidelined from May 24 until June 26 after sustaining a concussion against the outfield wall while making a spectacular catch to rob Kansas City’s Alcides Escobar.
Also, Clint Frazier could be getting into minor league games soon. The outfielder hasn’t played since sustaining a concussion against the outfield fence in his second spring training game on Feb. 24.
“He’s running the bases,” Boone said, “continues to build momentum.”
Mariners: Seattle placed designated hitter Nelson Cruz on the 10day DL after he suffered a sprained right ankle in the season-opening series against Cleveland.
Seattle made the move before beginning a two-game series in San Francisco where Cruz was unlikely to play. The move was retroactive to April 1. The Mariners recalled utility player Taylor Motter to take Cruz’s spot on the roster. Daniel Vogelbach is likely to get the majority of at-bats at designated hitter while Cruz is out.
Red Sox: Boston made several changes and improvements to Fenway Park they hope will enhance the fans’ experience.
One major addition is a fan dugout along the first-base line just beyond the Red Sox dugout. The new space with a capacity of 25 people gives fans a view similar to the players by recreating the dugout experience complete with bats, helmets, and even a giant cooler.
Diamondbacks: Arizona placed third baseman Jake Lamb on the 10-day DL with a left shoulder injury.
Lamb sprained his left AC joint when he made a diving catch of a line drive in foul territory in the ninth inning of Arizona’s 8-7, 15-inning victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers that started Monday.
Mets: On the same day New York put new reliever Anthony Swarzak on the DL, Allstar outfielder Michael Conforto sounded confident about returning to the lineup in a matter of days.
Cardinals: St. Louis placed Jedd Gyorko on the 10-day DL and recalled prospect Harrison Bader from Triple-a.