Ellsbury to Return Wednesday

After playing just 9 games in 2010 and taking 2 stints on the DL, Jacoby Ellsbury is finally ready to be activated by the Red Sox on Wednesday. The drama has been intense in the Ellsbury-Gate saga, but ultimately, the Sox could use Ellsbury’s speed and energy at the top of the lineup. With the tough news these past few days of Mike Cameron and Kevin Youkilis going on the DL, it is refreshing to see some positive headlines to read (and write).

In 3-games with the Pawtucket Red Sox this past week, Ellsbury had 7 hits in 14 at-bats and felt healthy, which was the biggest accomplishment. Ellsbury began 2010 on fire, hitting 4 doubles and scoring 6 runs in just 6 games. Although Marco Scutaro has done a great job recently in the lead-off slot, he is not a speed threat, which makes Ellsbury a big upgrade. Also, given the issues some of the back-up outfielders this year, Ellsbury’s defensive ability will hopefully bring the Sox back to their original mantra of run prevention leading to victories.

I am still cautious about Ellsbury actually returning on Wednesday given his history this season. There is also a ton of concern with Ellsbury re-injuring himself or facing a set-back and the Sox returning to square one. There is still also lingering animosity between the 2 parties, which could make for a shaky relationship with Ellsbury, but it’s amazing how getting on the field and producing heals all wounds. The problem thus far has been Ellsbury’s inability to get on the field and hit the issues away.

Given the Sox roster status, Daniel Nava will likely be the odd-man out in their scenario and will return to Pawtucket. Ellsbury will likely not play every day immediately, but will be in the lineup as much as possible, to try and stabilize the outfielder roles. Since being called up a few days ago, Nava appeared in 1 game and went 1-2 with a single.