The much-maligned 33-year-old Ellsbury needs a mulligan after his blunder-filled performance against the AL West-leading Houston Astros on Thursday evening.
It all began in the bottom of the first inning, as the Bleacher Creatures were still going through roll call. ‘Stros No. 2 hitter, Josh Reddick hit a dying quail headed for shallow center — Didi Gregorius did what all good shortstops do, and started for the ball.
Turning his back to the infield, Gregorius sprinted onto the outfield grass, hoping that the center fielder would take charge and call him off. Problem is, Ellsbury never did.