Another delay — and a long one — for Ellsbury
E-mail|Link|Comments (5) Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff June 10, 2010 04:22 PM
Jacoby Ellsbury is on his way to Arizona for what will be at least a two-week stay at the Athletes' Performance training center in Phoenix.
There will be no baseball-type activities, only what Terry Francona called "rest, therapy and rehab" on his bruised ribs.
"He needs a couple of weeks. That's a round figure," Francona said.
Francona, who said the team would be releasing further information, indicated that Ellsbury was experiencing "posterior" soreness related to the four cracked ribs he suffered on April 11. Ellsbury was examined in California by Dr. Lewis Yocum yesterday.
Ellsbury was apparently re-inured taking batting practice on May 24 and complained later about back pain.
A two-week stint at Athletes' Performance would end around June 24. From there, Ellsbury would have to start over again taking batting practice to prepare for a minor-league rehab assignment.
It is almost certain that he will not return before the All-Star break. Ellsbury has been seen by four doctors since he was first injured. Francona praised his agent, Scott Boras, for working closely with the team on Ellsbury's care and trying to get him back on the field.
Francona also admitted for the first time that Dustin Pedroia's protracted slump is related to the right knee injury he suffered in Detroit on May 15. "I think his knee is bothering him more than he lets on," Francona said.
The one bit of good news: Jonathan Papelbon will be activated tomorrow.