KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was out of Boston’s lineup Saturday, a day after being hit in the back by a pitch.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Ellsbury was sore and may not be able to play today against the Royals.
Ellsbury was hit by Royals reliever Everett Teaford in the eighth inning Friday night. He is hitting .313 with 22 home runs, 79 RBIs and 33 stolen bases. He was replaced in center field by Darnell McDonald.
Shortstop Marco Scutaro, who had not played since Aug. 13 because of a stiff back, returned to the lineup.
Maholm placed on DL
PITTSBURGH — Pirates left- hander Paul Maholm is on the disabled list for the first time, sidelined by a shoulder strain.
Maholm has lost four straight starts and five consecutive decisions. Over his past four outings, Maholm’s ERA has climbed a half-run to 3.66.
To replace him, the Pirates recalled rookie left-handed reliever Tony Watson from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Footnotes.
The Yankees didn’t take Alex Rodriguez off the disabled list for Saturday’s game at Minnesota, but manager Joe Girardi said he plans to play him today against the Twins if the three-time AL MVP feels all right in the morning.
• White Sox right fielder Carlos Quentin left Chicago’s game against the Rangers after making a diving catch in the top of the first inning.
• Twins shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka was taken out of the team’s lineup because of back spasms.
