Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury left Friday's game after he suffered a right shoulder injury sliding into second base after Tampa Bay Rays infielder Reid Brignac landed on his shoulder during a double play in the fourth inning.
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Jacoby Ellsbury Injury Update: Red Sox CF Has Right Shoulder Injury
Jacoby Ellsbury left his team's game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth inning after a collision with infielder Reid Brignac, who landed on Ellsbury's right shoulder while he was sliding into second base during a routine double play. Ellsbury was diagnosed with a "right shoulder injury" by the team and will be re-evaluated later.
Ellsbury remained on the ground for several minutes after Brignac made impact and was clutching his right shoulder. He was helped up and walked back to the clubhouse. Cody Ross moved to center field and Ryan Sweeney moved to right following Ellsbury's injury.
Unfortunately, this is not the first bout with injury for Ellsbury, who missed a significant portion of the 2010 season (he only played 18 games) after colliding with then Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre during a game against the Kansas City Royals on April 11. Ellsbury, then playing left field, collided with Beltre's knee and fractured four ribs.
Ellsbury was batting .192 with zero home runs and three RBI entering Friday's game.
For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.
Jacoby Ellsbury Injury: Red Sox Outfielder Suffers Shoulder Injury, Leaves Game In Fourth Inning
Jacoby Ellsbury left the Boston Red Sox's home opener during the fourth inning on Thursday after trying to break up an inning-ending double play.
Ellsbury slid hard into second base feet first in an effort to disrupt Tampa Bay's shortstop Reid Brignac. After the two collided on the clean slide, Brignac landed on Ellsbury's right shoulder. Ellsbury walked off the field under his own power, but was holding his right shoulder.
The 28-year old finished second in the 2011 AL MVP voting behind Detroit's Justin Verlander after a breakout campaign. The centerfielder batted .321 while establishing career highs with 32 home runs and 105 RBI, winning both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger at his position.
The severity of Ellsbury's injury is unclear at this time, but any extended absence would be a big blow to the Red Sox order.
For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.
VIDEO: Jacoby Ellsbury Injures Right Shoulder In Fourth Inning
Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury left Friday's home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park during the fourth inning with an undisclosed shoulder injury.
Ellsbury's injury occurred when he tried to break up a double play attempt. Ellsbury slid hard feet first into second base and then collided with Rays' second baseman Reid Brignac. Brignac fell on top of Ellsbury's right shoulder after following through on his throw to first base.
Watch the play which caused the injury to Ellsbury here (via Rays Index).
The 28-year-old 2011 AL MVP runner-up left the field holding his right shoulder. Ellsbury was 2-3 with an RBI and a run scored in the game before the injury. For the season, Ellsbury was hitting just .192 with 3 RBI, four walks and three strikeouts.
Cody Ross was moved into center field after the injury. Ryan Sweeney was also inserted into the game at the right field spot.
For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.
4:49p by Pat Johnston