Ellsbury, who missed his third straight game Sunday with a hip injury, is not expected to return to the lineup for Monday's series opener against the Royals, MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Ellsbury is out of action again Monday, it will mark three straight games on the shelf for the regular center fielder. According to manager Joe Girardi, the injury isn't expected to land him on the disabled list, but that mindset may be reconsidered if Ellsbury doesn't return within a 5-6 day period. Until then, look for Brett Gardner to handle leadoff duties, with Aaron Hicks seeing regular time in center.