Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Thursday that all signs point to Ellsbury being ready to start a three-game series at Tampa Bay.
Ellsbury has been out since hurting his right shoulder on April 13 while trying to break up a double play. He was the runner-up in the AL MVP voting last season and Boston has sorely missed him in the lineup.
Boston outfielder Carl Crawford, recovering from left wrist surgery and more recently a groin strain, was scheduled to start a minor league rehab assignment Thursday night with Triple-A Pawtucket.
Valentine also said rookie third baseman Will Middlebrooks, sidelined with a hamstring injury, is getting real close to returning.
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