Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to return to the lineup Tuesday in Texas, manager Terry Francona said as the team prepared to play its series opener against the Rangers.
Ellsbury was hit by a pitch in the upper back Friday night in Kansas City and removed from that game shortly thereafter. He missed both games this weekend because of a painful bruise where the ball struck him.
Shortstop Marco Scutaro has hit leadoff in Ellsbury's absence.
Prior to injury, Ellsbury had missed only one game this season after playing in just 18 in 2010. The All-Star is batting .313 with 22 home runs, 79 RBIs and 33 stolen bases.
