Yankees’ Ellsbury expects to play again after hip surgery

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Jacoby Ellsbury expects to play again following a hip injury, but when that will be is not clear.

“It’s hard to say,” the 35-year-old New York Yankees center fielder said Monday. “We’re putting a plan together right now. But definitely headed in the right direction.”

Ellsbury reported more than a month late to spring training due to a rehab program in Arizona for left hip surgery performed last August. He also had issues with plantar fasciitis in the right foot during the offseason.

“The hip’s good,” Ellsbury said. “After surgery, just building up right now. Just in the beginning stages of baseball activities.”

He is running, playing short-range catch and hitting off a tee.

Ellsbury hurt his right oblique early in spring training last year and eventually spent the entire season on the disabled list.

“You want to be out there, for sure,” Ellsbury said. “That’s why I put in the time, put in the work. You want to contribute, you want to be part of the team. Stay optimistic and just put the work in.”

Ellsbury is guaranteed $21,142,857 annually through 2020 as part of a $153 million, seven-year contract that includes a $21 million team option for 2021 with a $5 million buyout.

Ellsbury hit .264 with seven homers and 39 RBIs in 112 games in 2017.