TORONTO — Jacoby Ellsbury couldn’t talk his way into Joe Girardi’s lineup after taking batting practice Sunday, but the Yankees’ best hitter looked good enough to pinch hit in the ninth.
Now, the question is when will the center fielder return to the lineup after not starting the last two games with a sprained left ankle.
“It’s still sore, but over the last couple of days they’re really happy with the progress that I’ve made. Obviously we’ve got the off day [Monday], but I’ll get the MRI [exam Sunday night], have the doctors look at it and hopefully it’s a good MRI,’’ said Ellsbury, who blooped a double to right field with one out in the ninth of the Yankees’ 4-3 loss to the Blue Jays, sliding into second base with the bad ankle leading the way.
“My adrenaline was pumping. I usually don’t pinch hit. I don’t know if you noticed, I stepped out of the box a few times. I took a few deep breaths to get my heart rate down. Obviously in that situation, you want to get on base and get in scoring position. Once I saw that ball go in the air, I knew it was going to take a high hop. There was only one thing I could do, go for two and hope we get in scoring position to at least tie the game.’’
Knowing the Yankees are in a tough spot, Ellsbury had hoped the batting practice session was enough for Girardi to put him in the lineup.
“I was pleading to play,” he said. “Obviously, where the swelling is at is why we want to get an MRI. I’m optimistic. I was happy I could play [Sunday], happy I could get in there and show them I could help contribute. And hopefully I’ll be out there starting [Tuesday]. You just know how important these games are. [Girardi] knows how much I want to play and contribute.”
Ellsbury suffered the sprain late in Friday night’s game sliding into catcher Dioner Navarro at home plate. While he remained in the game for the final three outs in center field the ankle didn’t allow him to play Saturday when was limping after the 2-0 loss.
Ellsbury is hitting .467 (21-for-45) with four homers and 11 RBIs in his last 12 games. **
Bench coach Tony Pena was ejected in the seventh inning when he complained about plate umpire Chad Fairchild’s strike zone.
Masahiro Tanaka worked out at Yankee Stadium on Saturday and was scheduled to repeat the program Sunday and Monday when he will be examined by Dr. Chris Ahmad.
“He played catch and did his weight workout,’’ Girardi said of the right-hander who experienced soreness in the right arm — but not the elbow — and other body parts Friday following a 49-pitch simulated game the previous day. “He felt like he needed to catch up a little bit and strengthen himself up a little bit. It’s a good sign he [played catch].’’
The Yankees were questioned why they would send Tanaka to Yankee Stadium instead of remaining with the team. Girardi pointed out the Yankees’ facilities in The Bronx are superior to Rogers Centre’s and that Michael Schuk, a physical therapist/assistant trainer, and assistant director of strength and conditioning Brad Hyde work on the rehabbing players at the Stadium.
“We are not hiding anything. Has anyone seen the weight room here? I am concerned but we felt it was more productive to be there,’’ Girardi said.
If Tanaka feels better and the tear in the right UCL doesn’t act up he will throw a bullpen session Thursday. After that the next step would be a third simulated game because the minor league teams are done playing.
“There are two things you can do. You can send him to Tampa where they have instructional league. Or you can take the extra [big league guys],’’ Girardi said of the hitters facing Tanaka. “I am not sure how we do it. My hope is that we get to that point.’’
Since Tanaka started his rehab program, Girardi has said the club has to know if the elbow will hold up. Nothing has changed since last week’s soreness interrupted the program.
“We need to find out. We are taking the normal steps that people take in this type of injury,’’ said Girardi, who is well aware Tanaka may require Tommy John surgery. “We are either going to know by the end of September or not.’’
The Blue Jays presented Derek Jeter with a custom trip to the Canadian Castle of the Rockies experience in Banff Springs, Alberta, and a $10,000 check for his Turn 2 Foundation prior to the game.
Jeter was the DH Sunday, and went 1-for-5. It was the ninth time this year Girardi has used the shortstop in that spot.
“It’s the turf and he has played in 12-of-13 games so we have been pushing him pretty hard,’’ Girardi said.
Brett Gardner led off Sunday’s game with a homer for the sixth time in his career and the fifth time this season.
With rosters expanding from 25 players Monday to as many as 40 the Yankees could promote 40-man roster members Chase Whitley, Zoilo Almonte, John Ryan Murphy and possibly Bryan Mitchell. Chris Young, who is not on the 40-man roster, is also a possibility.
The Yankees acquired pitcher Chaz Roe from the Marlins for cash considerations. Roe was 3-3 with a 3.66 ERA for Triple-A New Orleans.