After colliding with Rays shortstop Reid Brignac in the home opener, the All-Star outfielder doesn’t want a rerun of the scene. He’s simply ready to persevere through his subluxed right shoulder.
“We don’t have a timetable,” Ellsbury said. “Right now, it’s icing the shoulder. Once the swelling resides, I can get into my strengthening and rehab. Everyone’s on the same page. I’m excited to get everything going and get back as soon as possible.”
When Ellsbury suffered broken ribs in 2010, there was controversy surrounding his decision to rehab in Arizona as opposed to around the Red Sox. Since Ellsbury remains weeks away from action, he still hasn’t determined the location of his rehab.
Once the swelling subsides, Ellsbury intends to work on strength training. But even in hindsight, he doesn’t have any regrets about the way he slid into second base or any ill will with the way Brignac reacted.
“Playing the game the right way,” Ellsbury said. “Trying to break up a double play ball –– Reidy is doing everything he can to make the play. Two guys going hard, playing the game the right way.”
For now, he’s satisfied that surgery doesn’t appear likely. Although the injury has hindered his bid for a run at the MVP trophy, Ellsbury said he’d still be cheering on the Red Sox and maintain an uplifted attitude.
“You’ve got to stay positive,” Ellsbury said. “There’s never a good time for injury. But I’ll definitely be back playing. The team, as of lately, has been playing great, so I’m excited for them to continue to play well.”
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