Jacoby Ellsbury Placed On Disabled List After Dislocating His Shoulder Yesterday

It's been a tough April for the Red Sox. They're in last place in the East and are still dealing with the hangover of last September's epic collapse. Centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury can't be blamed for either. He was the best position player in the American League last year (321/.375/.552, 32 HR), and was 7 for his first 26 before the 4th inning against the Rays yesterday. That was when he collided with Rays shortstop Reid Brignac trying to break up a double play, and dislocated his shoulder. Today, Ellsbury was placed on the 15-day DL with a "subluxed shoulder" (the Kia of injuries) and could miss up to 8 weeks. It does not seem he will require surgery.

Subluxing your shoulder does not sound fun. Brignac said "I could hear him and it sounded like a very painful thing. He was yelling and screaming a little bit." Sox Manager Bobby Valentine knows too well, saying "Some guy threw me down at home plate one time and it happened to me. It's painful." Something tells me Bobby V was up to something more nefarious than breaking up a double play. Perhaps while in disguise?

Poor Boston. The Sox finally play a good game, beating AL East rivals Tampa Bay 12-2, but lose their best player. I'm sure the boys had a lot on their minds after the game. But at least they could sit back in the clubhouse, crack open a couple of cold ones, and contemplate the cruel twists of baseball fate. Well, maybe at least contemplate the cruel twists of baseball fate, anyway.

Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury placed on DL with subluxed shoulder [MLB.com]