Jose Pirela

New York Yankees shortstop Jose Pirela (63) throws to first base for the force out during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Tommy Gilligan | USA TODAY Sports)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Yankees got not-so-good news Wednesday when they learned Jacoby Ellsbury would miss at least the next week with an oblique strain.

Here's what it means: Not a lot. Well, not yet, anyway.

Ellsbury, obviously, will be ready to play come Opening Day, if he actually returns according to the team's timetable. The outfield of Ellsbury in center field, Brett Gardner in left and Carlos Beltran in right will remain in tact.

But Ellsbury's injury could provide a chance for utility man Jose Pirela to make his case to join the big league roster.

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Pirela has mashed all spring. In 20 at-bats entering Wednesday, the 25-year-old Venezuelan was hitting .450 with a pair of doubles and as many triples.

But his path the majors, at least at the start of spring training, appeared blocked by shortstop Brendan Ryan, whom the Yankees hoped would provide his usual strong defense and hit at least a little better than the .167 batting average he put up last year.

But things haven't worked out with Ryan so far. Ryan's missed all of spring training so far with a mid-back sprain, and though he's slated to make his debut Friday -- likely giving him plenty of time to be prepared for a part-time role -- the Yankees could decide the more-versatile Pirela is the better option.

That's because Pirela can play a competent second base, third base and shortstop, and even the corner outfield. Due to Ellsbury's absence, the Yankees put Pirela in left field in Wednesday night's game against the Braves. And before the game, manager Joe Girardi said there's even a chance Pirela plays a little center field soon.

So, though it feels like a long shot, Pirela's ability to play the corner outfield with Ellsbury's health iffy might make the Yankees consider bringing him north instead of Ryan.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.