Yankees’ Jacoby Ellsbury hurts hip in 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 today. The 34-year-old 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.
Hicks went on the disabled list Friday, a day after straining his right ribcage in the opener. He set career highs with a .266 average, 15 homers and 52 RBIs last year in a rebound from a poor first season in New York following his trade from Minnesota. He strained his right oblique muscle last June 25 on a checked swing against Texas, returned Aug. 10, then strained his left oblique at Boston on Sept. 2 while making a running catch and came back Sept. 26.
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Hicks is eligible to be activated April 9.
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.”