Ellsbury, who set a Red Sox single-game record with five stolen bases on Thursday, was a late scratch from Friday’s lineup with a left groin strain. While Ellsbury could return for Saturday’s game, manager John Farrell wasn’t ready to make a decision either way.
“Still was stiff throughout the course of the game tonight,” Farrell said after Friday’s 4-1 loss. “Questionable tomorrow. We’ll see how he comes in tomorrow.”
Ellsbury suffered the injury during his record-setting fifth steal in the eighth inning on Thursday. The speedy outfielder stole second base, and he then advanced to third base on catcher Erik Kratz‘s errant throw. According to Ellsbury, the injury happened as he took the extra base.
“I felt it get tight right when I did it,” Ellsbury said. “The ball went into the outfield, and you could see me just jogging into third.”
Jackie Bradley Jr. played center field in Ellsbury’s absence on Friday, while Daniel Nava batted out of the leadoff spot.
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