his return

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AIM Google OpenID By Ron Chimelis, The Republican
Follow Red Sox acknowledge that Jacoby Ellsbury probably won't return this season Published: Wednesday, August 18,Windows 7 Ultimate Product Key, 2010, 6:43 PM Updated: Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 6:52 PM
BOSTON - With Jacoby Ellsbury on the disabled list for the third time this season,Office Professional Product Key, the Red Sox have all but ruled out his return in 2010.

"There is a broken rib that needs to heal. The only way you can know (the progress) is to run a scan every day, and that's not realistic,'' Red Sox manager Terry Francona said.

"I will not think anyone would write off this season,Cheap Office Professional 2007, but (his return) might not happen.''

Ellsbury met with the media Wednesday at Fenway Park. He spoke for exactly 22 seconds.

"It's a broken rib in the back, same place as before. When I come back, I'll be stronger than ever,'' he said before leaving.

Ellsbury's third DL stint for cracked ribs resulted from Friday's collision with Texas pitcher Tommy Hunter.

The injury was new, but continues a season-long set of problems with his ribs.

Francona said Ellsbury might have tried coming back too quickly from the previous injury.

"He was catching some heat (for not playing) ... from all you tough guys,'' said the manager, referring with some sarcasm to a media that has debated whether Ellsbury's 10-week midseason DL stint was longer than necessary.

Francona acknowledged that the recurring nature of the rib problem, which began when Ellsbury collided with third baseman Adrian Beltre in Kansas City on April 11, has raised questions that are hard to answer.

"Is he more susceptible? Might be. Maybe not. Nobody knows,'' Francona said.

Francona spoke Wednesday with Dr. Lewis Yocum, who examined Ellsbury Tuesday in Los Angeles.

The healing could take at least four to six weeks. The season ends in just over six weeks.

"I never know if coming back is realistic. The kid has had a tough year,'' Francona said.

Ellsbury has hit .192 in 18 games. With seven steals, he trails Red Sox leader Dustin Pedroia by only one.