Yankees' Ellsbury Says He's 'Ready' For Opening Day
TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 5 and played five flawless innings of defense in his first game since being sidelined two weeks ago by an oblique strain.
Ellsbury had an infield single and RBI single to left Tuesday for Double-A Trenton in a minor league game. He caught a fly ball and cleanly fielded a line single.
"Felt good getting out there," Ellsbury said. "I think it was a good day. Tested a little bit of everything."
He could return to Grapefruit League action on Wednesday when the Yankees take on Tampa Bay.
"I've listened to them the entire process," Ellsbury said. "If they feel, 'Hey, you're a go for tomorrow,' I'll be out there tomorrow. If they're like, 'Hey, get some swings in and be out there the next day,' I'm fine with that too."
Ellsbury has no worries about being ready for the April 6 season opener against Toronto.
"I don't have any issues," he said, adding: "I'm ready now."
First baseman Mark Teixeira, hit by a pitch in the right knee in a minor league game Sunday, could play Wednesday.
Shortstop Didi Gregorius, who sprained his left wrist diving for a grounder Saturday, will have his status evaluated Wednesday.
Gregorius ran in the outfield, but was limited to one-handed swinging in an indoor cage. He has been getting treatment for the injury, including acupuncture Monday.
"Better, way better," said Gregorius, who expects to be ready for opening day.
Expected fifth-starter Adam Warren pitched in a minor league game, giving up five runs and nine hits over four innings for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He struck out two and walked one in the 82-pitch outing.
"Wasn't great out there, but I came out healthy and got my pitch count up," Warren said.
Warren said he hasn't talked with manager Joe Girardi about the rotation spot.
"I'm still starting now, so I'm still preparing to be a starter," Warren said. "That's what I have on my mind right now."
Carlos Beltran went 0 for 4 with a walk in the same game as Warren.
NOTES: INF-OF Jose Pirela, out with a concussion since running into the center field fence in a game March 22 against the New York Mets, is riding a stationary bike but has not resumed baseball activities. ... Fifth starter Chris Capuano (strained quadriceps) is playing catch and jogging, and will add agility drills this week. The left-hander could return in May. ... RHP Ivan Nova (right elbow surgery) threw 45 pitches broken down into two sessions off a bullpen mound and appears on target to be back in June. ... RHP Jared Burton (strained lat) is expected to throw off a mound Sunday or Monday.
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