Yankees, Brett Gardner agree to 4-year extension

The New York Yankees and outfielder Brett Gardner have agreed to a four-year extension worth $52 million, per Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News.

In addition, the Yankees have a team option at $12.5 million (with a $2 million buyout) for 2019.

Gardner hit .273 last season with an AL-high 10 triples, eight homers, 52 runs batted in, 81 runs and 24 stolen bases. In his career, Gardner has stolen 168 bases on 199 attempts for a success rate of 84 percent.

One of the faster players in baseball, Gardner will play left field this year with the Yankees signing Jacoby Ellsbury in the offseason. In addition to Ellsbury, the Yankees signed Carlos Beltran this offseason.

All three of those outfielders are under contract for at least the next three seasons: Ellsbury (2020), Gardner (2018) and Beltran (2016).

In my 2014 fantasy outfielder rankings, I currently have Ellsbury, Beltran and Gardner ranked seventh, 27th and 44th, respectively.

Jacoby Ellsbury placed on 15-day DL

As expected, the Boston Red Sox placed center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury on the 15-day disabled list due to his subluxed shoulder.

"Jacoby injured his right shoulder during yesterday’s game," per a team statement (via Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe). "An MRI was performed and showed findings consistent with a subluxed shoulder. We are in the process of gathering further information and determining the treatment plan. Jacoby will be placed on the 15-day disabled list prior to today’s game."

The team is expected to call up Jason Repko from Pawtucket to take Ellsbury's roster spot.

Through seven games, Ellsbury was hitting .192 with no home runs and no stolen bases.  He has four runs scored and three runs batted in.

Jacoby Ellsbury to return Saturday

Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to return to the Red Sox lineup on Saturday night against the Phillies, according to Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe.

Ellsbury hasn't played since April 11th when he fractured four ribs in a collision with Adrian Beltre.

“He gives us a different element,’’ [Red Sox manager Terry] Francona said. “It gives us that game-changing speed. It gives us the same headaches we have when we have to face guys like Carl Crawford. He gives us a certain look when he’s in there that we don’t have when he’s not in there.’’

Although Ellsbury will be out of the lineup tonight, he doesn't expect some lingering pain in his ribs to cause him to miss any games.

“I still feel it right now,’’ Ellsbury said. “It’s going to be one of those things, it’s going to be there for a little while.’’

Ellsbury, who has only played six games this year, led the majors in steals (70) in 2010.