Well, his fate has officially been decided. Jacoby Ellsbury won’t be starting the season on the field with the New York Yankees.
Take a look around. Where is Jacoby Ellsbury? Let’s check his favorite place…the disabled list.
The New York Yankees outfielder finds himself yet again on the DL, this time to start the season, according to Brian Cashman.
Cashman confirms it’s Holder for 13th pitcher spot. Ellsbury will start on DL. German & Cessa in minor league rotation.
— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) March 24, 2018
Ellsbury has been fighting an oblique injury since late February and this specific one has kept him out of games since March 1. The Associated Press reported a few days ago that Ellsbury was likely to start the season on the DL. Well, that report has been officially confirm by Cashman, according to Pete Caldera.
But will the Yankees truly be missing much by having Ellsbury start on the DL? He is likely the backup outfielder and hasn’t been incredibly impressive over his last two seasons.
Last year, Ellsbury spent great time on the disabled list due to a concussion early in the season, resulting in only playing 112 games in pinstripes.
Ellsbury officially returned to spring action on Thursday afternoon and will continue to train in the minor league complex in Tampa. According to Cashman, per Caldera, the Yankees will be looking to get him “40-50” at-bats prior to him returning to the roster.
In confirming the move, Cashman also declared that Jonathan Holder will take that final roster spot. Holder, a middle reliever, has appeared in seven games this spring and pitched 10 innings. His 1.80 ERA is certainly impressive but he has also recorded two saves, proving he’s a great option in the ‘pen in multiple roles.
Overall a smart move by the Yankees, seeing as how putting the injury-prone Ellsbury out on the field before he’s ready would likely equate to more time on the DL down the stretch.
Really, are we actually surprised? The DL is Ellsbury’s home. Let’s see how long he stays there.
