Jacoby Ellsbury Dislocates Shoulder; Out at Least Six Weeks

As if the season hadn’t started out badly enough for the Boston Red Sox. Yesterday center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was forced to leave the Red Sox game in the fourth inning after sustaining a shoulder injury. It was later rumored that Ellsbury’s injury was a dislocation of his shoulder and it’s since been confirmed that the center fielder will be sidelined for at least six weeks.

Ellsbury sustained the injury during the fourth inning of yesterday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Ellsbury doubled off of Rays starter David Price and, after sliding into second, was landed upon by shortstop Reid Brignac. Ellsbury was in obvious pain and had to leave the game.

Several tests and an MRI later and Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com reported that Ellsbury was dealing with a partial or full dislocation of his right shoulder. While the extent of the damage to Ellsbury’s shoulder has not yet been determined, Edes is reporting that the center fielder will miss at least six weeks as a result of the injury.

From the time the injury took place it sounds as if the Red Sox knew a roster move would be required. It appears that minor league outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin will be the player recalled to replace Ellsbury on the Red Sox roster. Darnell McDonald is expected to take over as the regular in center field, while Mike Aviles figures to bat leadoff in Ellsbury’s absence.

For more on the Red Sox, be sure to check out BoSox Injection.

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