Jacoby Ellsbury May Be Dropped Lower in Red Sox Lineup

Jacoby Ellsbury, near MVP in 2011 and owner of an injury plagued campaign in 2012, may be getting dropped out of the leadoff spot shortly in the Red Sox lineup.

Manager, John Farrell, indicated Ellsbury may lose claim of being the leadoff hitter if he didn’t turn around his rough start to 2013, which won’t help negotiations in Free Agency as Ellsbury’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Fantasy Play: The popular stereotype is players play better than usual in walk years, but Ellsbury is struggling mightily in his final season under contract. The center fielder is hitting just .241/.303/.335 on the year and is down to .179 in the month of May.

Despite leading the American League in stolen bases, Ellsbury has offered virtually no power and lacks the ability to get on base. If he is dropped in the order, it may be harder to see quality pitches and his OBP has a chance of suffering even more.

The only silver lining short of Ellsbury catching fire in June is for Shane Victorino owners, who would likely see the former Phillie moved up to take Ellsbury’s leadoff spot.