Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury to begin rehab games, could return Friday

New York Yankees centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to begin rehab games this week and could return to the major leagues on Friday.

New York Yankees centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to begin rehab games this week and could return to the team's lineup on Friday.

After the Yankees’ 3–1 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday, manager Joe Girardi said Ellsbury will head to the team’s facility in Tampa, Fla., on Monday and possibly return on Friday, when the Tampa Bay Rays come to New York for a three-game series.

Ellsbury has been on the disabled list since May 20 with a sprained collateral ligament in his right knee. He has resumed hitting on the field and running bases, but rehab games in Tampa would be the final step before returning to the majors.

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Over 37 games before the injury, which he sustained in a May 19 game against the Washington Nationals, Ellsbury batted .324 with one home run, six RBIs and a .783 OPS. He also stole 14 bases and scored 29 runs.

Without Ellsbury, the Yankees have used Brett Gardner, Chris Young, Slade Heathcott and Mason Williams in centerfield. Heathcott and Williams, both rookies, are now also on the disabled list with injuries.

The Yankees are 41–35, half a game behind the Rays for first place in the AL East.

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- Mike Fiammetta