Ellsbury targets Tuesday night return to lineup

NEW YORK -- Jacoby Ellsbury was again unable to go on Sunday night, due to left groin tightness, and missed the entire three-game series against the Yankees.

The Red Sox have a day off on Monday and the hope is that Ellsbury will be healthy enough to play on Tuesday night, when the team opens a homestand against the Rangers.

"Improved," said manager John Farrell. "Yet not ready to go today. We're shooting for Tuesday."

Farrell said the Red Sox were not trying to hold Ellsbury back.

"No, it's the assessment of the medical staff, how he's responded to treatment," said Farrell. "It's improving, but he's not ready to get on the field."

Ellsbury suffered the injury on Thursday night in Philadelphia, where he stole a career-high of five bases.