Believe it or not, there might actually be a Jacoby Ellsbury sighting soon at Yankees Spring Training.

Brian Cashman told reporters on Wednesday that the oft-injured outfielder is slated to join the club in Tampa on either March 16 or 17. Ellsbury has been battling plantar fasciitis and remained in Arizona rather than reporting to the team at the start of camp.

Ellsbury didn't play at all in 2018 and underwent surgery on Aug. 6 to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. He started experiencing plantar fasciitis while rehabbing from the surgery.

Whether the 35-year-old can stay healthy enough to be on the active roster remains to be seen, but even if Ellsbury -- whom the Yankees signed to a seven-year, $153 million contract before the 2014 season -- can return to action, his role likely would be limited as the Yanks have a crowded outfield with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks and Brett Gardner. Clint Frazier is also an option.

In 520 games with the Yankees, Ellsbury has a .264 average and .716 OPS.

HARPER: Yankees' Clint Frazier, Brett Gardner on same page as left field battle begins >> Read more

CARELLI: The keys to Giancarlo Stanton fulfilling expectations in second year with Yankees >> Read more

Popular in the Community