Ellsbury Making Quick Progress, 'Very Confident' He Will Return Soon
BOSTON (CBS) - Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury has been sidelined with a non-displaced compression fracture in his right foot, but is "very confident" he'll be back soon.
Ellsbury spoke with reporters at Fenway Park on Wednesday prior to Boston's game with the Baltimore Orioles, and said he is making quick progress in his recovery.
"I'm doing a lot of different things, getting here early and following the plan the doctors have set in place," he said. "The doctors are very pleased with how fast I'm recovering."
PREVIEW: Peavy, Red Sox Look To Bounce Back Against O's
Ellsbury wouldn't say what doctors have him doing, and by all accounts he has not begun to run the bases or take batting practice. But the speedy outfield feels he has made significant progress in his rehab, and is excited at the thought of returning to the lineup.
"I feel very confident and I'm making quick progress," he said. "I'm trying to push the envelope with them, but they always have to tell me to slow down. It does take time, but I'm very hopeful I'll be back soon."
Ellsbury wouldn't say if he would be back before the end of the regular season, but is dying to join the team as they make their push for the playoffs.
Ellsbury first injured the foot when he fouled a ball off of it on August 28. Though it was painful, he played in the next seven games before being shut down and being placed in a boot for five days.
"I kind of knew something was going on but I wanted to play. It was one of those things where the doctors said you have to give it some rest and give it some time," Ellsbury said. "But I'm very excited with the progress I've made and the doctors are very optimistic about making a comeback and playing."
ADAM JONES SHOW: Dayn Perry On Red Sox Success, Postseason Expectations
Ellsbury said once the foot has healed there should be no more issues moving forward.
For the season, Ellsbury is batting .299 and leads the Red Sox with 89 runs scored. He leads all of baseball with 52 stolen bases.
In Ellsbury's absence, Shane Victorino has taken his place in center with Dustin Pedroia batting leadoff.
