Jacoby Ellsbury‘s injury woes have cropped up again as the New York Yankees star outfielder left Friday’s game against the Boston Red Sox with a hip injury. It’s unclear when he’ll return to the field.
Continue for updates.
Girardi Comments on Ellsbury’s Injury, Recovery Timeline
Saturday, May 7
Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters Ellsbury is “sore” and noted there is no plan to put him on the disabled list at this point.
Ellsbury Out vs. Red Sox
Saturday, May 7
Ellsbury did not play Saturday against Boston.
Injury-Prone Ellsbury Still Productive for Yankees
Ellsbury was plagued by injuries in 2015. He suffered a sprained right knee May 19, 2015 in a game against the Washington Nationals that landed him on the disabled list before he was able to return on July 8. He was able to stay healthy for the rest of the season, but he only played 111 total games.
The 32-year-old outfielder has had injury problems in the past, playing fewer than 100 games in 2010 and 2012 as a member of the Boston Red Sox. He struggled in his first two seasons with the Yankees, posting a .265/.324/.387 slash line, and he was off to a slow start in 2016 entering Friday (.216/.315/.380).
Ellsbury’s defense has also suffered because of injuries and playing center field into his 30s. FanGraphs‘ metrics indicate he’s cost the Yankees four runs with the glove since 2014, after posting positive runs saved totals each season from 2010-13.
The Yankees came into 2016 with high expectations following a playoff appearance last season, but the core of this roster is old with players like Ellsbury, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Brian McCann all over 30 years old. Rodriguez and CC Sabathia were placed on the disabled list this week.
Ellsbury’s health will be a key component for them keeping up with Boston and the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East because of his ability to change a game with his legs on the bases and in center field.
Right now though, the Yankees would settle for him being able to stay on the field.
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