Report: Red Sox's Ellsbury out 6-8 weeks
BOSTON, April 14 (UPI) -- Red sox manager Bobby Valentine will have to shuffle his lineup after an injury that could have leadoff hitter Jacoby Ellsbury sidelined for at least six weeks.
A source told The Boston Globe that Ellsbury appears to have partially dislocated his shoulder breaking up a double play during the Sox home opener Friday and could be out as many as eight weeks.
The injury was still being examined late Friday, but the Globe's source said, "It's not good."
To fill the gap, Valentine will likely move Cody Ross into Ellsbury's center field slot, a position Ross says he is very comfortable with. The Globe said Ryan Sweeney and Darnell McDonald were also available.
The Sox were also expected to call up minor-leaguer Che-Hsuan Lin to bolster an outfield already depleted by Carl Crawford's injury. The Globe said Lin possesses an above-average throwing arm.
Giants' Wilson may need elbow surgery
SAN FRANCISCO, April 14 (UPI) -- San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson may need season-ending surgery after the team announced Saturday he has elbow problems.
Wilson has "structural issues" in his throwing elbow, Manager Bruce Bochy told reporters, adding Wilson would be seeking a second opinion from an orthopedist after the magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis.
If the initial assessment is confirmed, it will likely require season-ending Tommy John surgery -- the second of Wilson's career.
The 30-year-old reliever also underwent ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in 2003 while at Louisiana State.
Wilson set a Giants' club record with 48 saves as San Francisco claimed a World Series championship in 2010.
He has recorded 171 saves and a 3.21 earned run average in 315 appearances in his seven seasons with the team.
Isner, Monaco to vie for Clay Court crown
HOUSTON, April 14 (UPI) -- John Isner and Juan Monaco will meet for the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship after each posted semifinal victories Saturday in Houston.
Isner, the No. 2 seed, had to work hard for his victory, a marathon 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 decision over No. 3 seed Feliciano Lopez of Spain.
The American saved all eight of Lopez's break chances and fired 13 aces en route to the comeback win.
Isner's victory moved him to 7-0 on clay courts this year.
Fourth-seeded Monaco, meanwhile, got past American Michael Russell 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in another long match, this one clocking in at nearly 2 1/2 hours.
The Argentine, who didn't face a break chance in the second set, will be seeking his fifth ATP title Sunday.
Allen posts dominating Tampa Bay lead
LUTZ, Fla., April 14 (UPI) -- Michael Allen established a dominating, five-stroke lead at the Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay Saturday after firing a 4-under 67.
Allen's performance put him at 9-under 133 following 36 holes, overcoming blustery conditions.
The highlight for him was at the par-five 12th, where he drained a 40-foot eagle putt to move to minus-8.
Allen is seeking his second Champions Tour victory -- his first came at the 2009 Senior PGA Championship.
Knotted in second place at 4-under 138 were Sandy Lyle (69), Bernhard Langer (71), Corey Pavin (71) and reigning U.S. Senior Open champion Olin Browne (66).
