Jacoby Ellsbury's Yankees return is on the horizon

Beleaguered outfielder scheduled to report to camp on March 16 or 17

3/6/2019, 5:24 PM
Mar 1, 2018; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) works out prior to the game at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports / Kim Klement
Mar 1, 2018; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) works out prior to the game at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports / Kim Klement

Believe it or not, there might actually be a Jacoby Ellsbury sighting soon at Yankees Spring Training.

Brian Cashman told reporters on Wednesday that the oft-injured outfielder is slated to join the club in Tampa on either March 16 or 17. Ellsbury has been battling plantar fasciitis and remained in Arizona rather than reporting to the team at the start of camp.

Ellsbury didn't play at all in 2018 and underwent surgery on Aug. 6 to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. He started experiencing plantar fasciitis while rehabbing from the surgery.

Whether the 35-year-old can stay healthy enough to be on the active roster remains to be seen, but even if Ellsbury -- whom the Yankees signed to a seven-year, $153 million contract before the 2014 season -- can return to action, his role likely would be limited as the Yanks have a crowded outfield with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo StantonAaron Hicks and Brett GardnerClint Frazier is also an option.

In 520 games with the Yankees, Ellsbury has a .264 average and .716 OPS.


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