Projo Sox Blog

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Rookie outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who suffered a strained right wrist while making a spectacular diving catch Thursday night, seemingly escaped serious injury and could be back in the lineup in the next few days.

Manager Terry Francona said Ellsbury underwent an MRI this morning, and "everything came back really clean."

"I think he's excited, relieved," said Francona. "Tom (team physician Thomas Gill) said he might even be available to pinch-run tonight. I don't think we're going to do that until he's ready to hit, but I don't think it will be very long before (he can return to the lineup)."

That feeling was in direct contrast to the feeling Francona had as he trotted out to right-center with trainer Paul Lessard to check on Ellsbury after he had robbed Evan Longoria of an extra-base hit leading off the fourth inning. Ellsbury, moved to center from left field when Coco Crisp was ejected, made the catch, gloving the ball a split-second before it would have hit the turf, and in so doing, his glove stuck in the grass briefly, causing Ellsbury to roll over on the wrist.

"It looked bad," said Francona. "When I got out there I think he thought it was bad. We all saw him bend (the wrist) backwards. But there's no break and no ligament (damage). Nothing. So that's good."

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