SARASOTA, Fla. – Jacoby Ellsbury arrived at the Red Sox’ Fort Myers facility Monday and reported he felt sore from the right ankle injury he suffered Sunday in the first inning vs. the Phillies.
“We’re going to keep him off his feet and not have him take any BP today, so again Wednesday would be ideal that he gets back on the field,” manager John Farrell said.
The Red Sox still don’t believe there’s any major issue. Ellsbury hurt his ankle and heel when he tried to get back to first base after a Cliff Lee pickoff throw.
Also, the Red Sox will have to make a decision on Lyle Overbay’s opt-out, which is Tuesday, which means a decision could come as early as Monday.
Overbay is an experienced first baseman, but right now he’s competing for what appears to be a 25th spot on the roster with Mike Carp and Ryan Sweeney, assuming Daniel Nava and Jackie Bradley have made the team.
While the New York Yankees just traded for Vernon Wells to fill an outfield spot, Overbay could also pose an interesting temporary option for them as a platoon with Juan Rivera at first base. The Yankees’ decision-makers are split on Overbay and how much he could help. While he can get hot and could benefit from the short porch in right, Overbay is more of a left-center gap type hitter. But he may be an upgrade defensively over Rivera.