Ellsbury likely looking at late-June return

SEATTLE -- Jacoby Ellsbury may not rejoin the Yankees' lineup until the end of June, according to a timetable given by general manager Brian Cashman on Tuesday in a radio interview.

Cashman told Michael Kay on ESPN Radio 98.7 FM that Ellsbury is recovering from a right knee sprain sustained in a May 19 game at Washington, but the outfielder is expected to wear an immobilizing brace on his knee for another week.

"Probably anywhere from point of injury, five to six weeks total should resolve all of it, as far as rehab and healing," Cashman said.

The fifth week from the injury would be June 23; six weeks would be June 30. The Yankees had previously said that Ellsbury was performing aquatic exercises in New York, but manager Joe Girardi did not offer a timetable for Ellsbury's return to the diamond.

Cashman said that after Ellsbury gets the brace removed, likely next week, he will be re-evaluated by a team physician. Ellsbury then could have a 10-day period where he is re-introduced to baseball activities, potentially including a Minor League rehabilitation assignment.

Ellsbury, 31, was among the Yankees' most consistent performers leading up to the injury. In 37 games, Ellsbury batted .324/.412/.372 with one homer, six RBIs and 14 steals in 19 attempts.