Ellsbury Yanked Against Phils With Heel Injury

Mar 10, 2012; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (2) at bat during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. The Red Sox defeated the Rays 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The last thing Red Sox Nation needed to hear today was that another Red Sox player was removed from a game due to injury. Unfortunately that’s just what happened when Jacoby Ellsbury jammed his right heel getting back to first base in the first inning of Boston’s afternoon game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field in Clearwater, FL.

Ellsbury was removed as a precautionary measure in the second inning after he made an awkward half-slide into the first base bag on a catcher’s pickoff attempt in the first inning. Red Sox fans now wait and hold their breath until Monday when Ellsbury will be evaluated, after which the Red Sox will likely release a statement.

Although when fans hear the words Jacoby Ellsbury and injury in the same sentence they cringe, Ellsbury – aside from two devastating injuries in 2010 and 2012 – has been durable when he’s simply been nicked up. It’s a good sign that Ellsbury stayed in the game and attempted a steal before being removed on Sunday afternoon.

If Ellsbury’s injury is more serious the case for having Jackie Bradley Jr. – who smacked a three run homer and sac flied to drive in four runs for the Red Sox against the Phillies on Sunday – open with Boston to start the season becomes more compelling.

This spring Ellsbury is batting .250 this spring with 11 hits, 4 doubles, 6 walks, 4 Ks, 1 RBI and no bases stolen.