The team announced that an MRI was performed on Ellsbury, and it showed findings consistent with a subluxed shoulder. It's still unclear how long exactly the speedy outfielder will be out of action, but he will be placed on the 15-day disabled list, leaving the Sox without their talented leadoff hitter for an extended period of time.
Ellsbury is a catalyst for the Sox, providing speed, defense and plenty of pop. When he's on his game, the Boston lineup often follows suit, meaning Bobby Valentine will be forced to get creative to ensure the Sox don't skip a beat in Ellsbury's absence.
The team certainly has plenty of options when it comes to plugging in a new leadoff guy, even if it isn't exactly an ideal situation. Dustin Pedroia, primarily the team's No. 2 hitter, could slide up, although the Sox may want to keep him implanted in his usual spot.
If Valentine doesn't turn to Pedroia to be the team's leadoff hitter, outfielders Cody Ross, Ryan Sweeney and Darnell McDonald are all capable of filling the void. The Sox also called up outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin from Triple-A Pawtucket, and he could be an option to provide some speed atop the order.
Mike Aviles could be another interesting option to kick things off in the Boston order. So how would you fill out your lineup card?
Who should be the Red Sox' leadoff hitter in Jacoby Ellsbury's absence?
