The Red Sox cleared the way for Jacoby Ellsbury's return by designating outfielder Jonathan Van Every for assignment after Friday night's loss in Philadelphia, manager Terry Francona confirmed.
Ellsbury, who has been out since suffering fractured ribs in a collision with Adrian Beltre on April 11, will be activated prior to Saturday's game.
The 26-year-old Ellsbury went 4-for-10 with a double and a stolen base in three rehab games split between Triple-A Pawtucket and Double-A Portland. He will play either left or center field upon his return, depending on the matchups.
Regular center fielder Mike Cameron remains on a rehab assignment of his own as he works his way back from an abdominal strain.
Van Every, 30, hit .211 (4-for-19) with a homer and a double in 21 games for the Sox after being acquired in a trade with Pittsburgh last month. He also made his second appearance as a relief pitcher in as many years for Boston, throwing an inning in a 14-3 loss to New York on May 8.
