TORONTO — Jacoby Ellsbury’s efforts to return from a concussion have been shut down after the Yankees outfielder began experiencing headaches again.

Ellsbury suffered a concussion and sprained neck after banging his head into the center field wall while catching Alcides Escobar’s fly ball on the opening pitch of a May 24 game against Kansas City.

He’s batting .281 with four homers and 14 RBI.

Manager Joe Girardi said Ellsbury will rest for the remainder of the weekend and visit a neurologist when the team returns home Monday from their series in Toronto.

Ellsbury became eligible to come off the seven-day concussion list Thursday and was expected to return sometime during the weekend series. Before Ellsbury took batting practice Friday, Girardi acknowledged that timeline had become less likely.

• Left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman (shoulder) threw a light side session Saturday. He’ll throw one more side session before a simulated game next week. Chapman is expected to return by mid-June.

ROYALS: Kansas City optioned struggling outfielder Jorge Soler to Triple-A Omaha. Soler had been acquired from the Chicago Cubs in the offseason for All-Star closer Wade Davis.

Kansas City recalled speedy outfielder Billy Burns in time for Saturday’s game against Cleveland.

The Royals sent Davis to the Cubs in the hopes that Soler could solidify right field not only for this season but well into the future.

But the big slugger has been slowed by injuries and was hitting .164 with one homer and six RBI in 18 games.

Jorge Bonifacio has played well in his place, hitting .281 with seven homers and 16 RBI.

INDIANS: Lonnie Chisenhall was cleared to return to games after dealing with the effects of a concussion. The infielder/outfielder started in right field for Double-A Akron on Saturday.

ROCKIES: Right-handed pitcher Chad Bettis (testicle cancer) will rejoin the team on Tuesday to begin building arm strength.

Copy the Story Link