Ellsbury Likely Out Til Friday

The Boston Red Sox will likely hold injured left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury out through the rest of this road trip.

Ellsbury was out of the lineup Wednesday at Minnesota for the second straight game because of bruised ribs. Manager Terry Francona said Ellsbury probably wouldn't play Thursday against the Twins, either, and would sit out until the team returns home Friday.

Francona says Ellsbury is doing better, but still sore and having trouble rotating his body. He was hurt in a collision with teammate Adrian Beltre during a chase for a foul ball Sunday at Kansas City.

Francona says as much as he'd like to have his leadoff hitter in the lineup he wants to be cautious about bringing him back.

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