After stealing five bases and setting a team record on Friday, the Red Sox were without its starting centerfielder on Saturday. Jacoby Ellsbury, who stole five bases in a win over the Phillies Friday night, sat out on Saturday during an 11-1 Red Sox romping against the arch-rival Yankees.
Ellsbury is likely to miss Sunday’s contest as well with a groin injury.
Ellsbury has a long history of injuries and his toughness has been questioned in the past, but at least for now he is only expected to miss these two games. Jackie Bradley Jr. will play center field until Ellsbury’s return, which could come as early as Tuesday against the Texas Rangers.
For the Red Sox lineup, it means outfielder Daniel Nava at the leadoff spot when the team takes on Hiroki Kuroda on Sunday night.
The speedy outfielder, Ellsbury, has struggled throughout the season, falling into long slumps but appeared to be showing signs of coming out of his latest one before the groin injury. Ellsbury’s future in Boston is unclear. Though a Scott Boras client, it’s not immediately known what Ellsbury could command in the open market, particularly during a season full of nagging injuries and slumps, an otherwise unimpressive response since a near MVP season just two years ago.
