NEW YORK (AP) — Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was removed from the starting lineup for the series opener against the New York Yankees because of a tight left groin.

Ellsbury stole a team record five bases during Thursday’s 9-2 win at Philadelphia. Red Sox manager John Farrell said Friday that Ellsbury felt the tightness during his final steal, in the eighth inning.
Rookie Jackie Bradley Jr. replaced Ellsbury in the starting lineup against the Yankees.

Right-hander Clay Buchholz is slated to start Sunday’s series finale. He was scratched from his scheduled start Monday against the Phillies because of irritation in his collarbone area.

Farrell said outfielder Shane Victorino, on the disabled list since May 21 because of a strained left hamstring, likely will have a two-day injury rehabilitation assignment and be activated for Wednesday’s game against Texas.

The Yankees, meanwhile, welcomed back first baseman Mark Teixeira and third baseman Kevin Youkilis from the disabled list and immediately inserted the pair into their injury-depleted batting order.

Teixeira had a partially torn tendon sheath in his right wrist, sustained while taking batting practice with the U.S. at the World Baseball Classic on March 5. Youkilis has not played since April 27 because of a back injury.

To clear roster spots before Friday night’s game, the Yankees optioned right-hander Ivan Nova and left-hander Vidal Nuno to Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes-Barre.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said a position player likely would be moved off the active roster on Monday, when left-hander Andy Pettitte is activated from the DL to start against Cleveland.