Report: MLBPA files grievance against Yankees on behalf of Ellsbury
The Major League Baseball Players Association has filed a grievance against the New York Yankees on behalf of free-agent outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, Ronald Blum of The Associated Press reports.
The MLBPA and Ellsbury are attempting to regain the $26 million that's still owed to the 36-year-old after he was released by the Yankees in November.
"The (Major League Baseball) Players Association will vigorously defend any action taken against Jacoby or his contract and is investigating potential contract violations by his employer," the MLBPA said last month in a statement obtained by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
The Yankees reportedly plan to withhold the $26 million owed to Ellsbury for the 2020 season because he apparently used an outside facility during his rehabilitation from multiple injuries without the team's permission.
Last month, a doctor involved in the contract dispute between the two sides said he never treated Ellsbury for a work-related ailment. The Yankees need to prove that the veteran outfielder received treatment for a work-related injury from an outside facility without permission in order to withhold the $26 million.
Ellsbury, who hasn't played since 2017, hit .264/.330/.386 with 39 home runs, 198 RBIs, and 102 steals in 520 games for the Yankees after inking a seven-year, $153-million deal in 2013.
Ellsbury plans to continue his playing career in 2020.