TAMPA, Fla. -- Jacoby Ellsbury's right wrist is better, but it's not totally healed.



The 32-year-old center fielder returned to the Yankees' lineup for the first time in a week and went 0-for-3 as they lost to the Twins, 5-2, at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Sunday.

Ellsbury had been held out of action as he rehabilitated the joint, which took a 90-mph fastball March 20 and set him immediately out of a game and to a doctor's office, where tests showed no structural damage.

The team had set his initial return date for Thursday, but Ellsbury said it needed more time.

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It's still bruised and swollen, however, said Ellsbury, who had a wrap on it during the game. It didn't stop him from making a tumbling catch while coming in on a fly ball in the fifth inning.



"Felt good," he said. "It was nice to be out there. Definitely a warm one. At-bats felt good. I was pleased with the first day."



He was asked if it still hurt.



"There's still bruising and a little swelling in there but I feel like I can do everything I need to," he said.



The Yankees don't seem concerned Ellsbury will be anything but ready for Opening Day on April 4. He's hitting .231 in 23 at-bats over eight games.



The Yankees gave Ellsbury a seven-year, $153-million deal deal before the 2014 season. He's hit .265 with 23 homers and 101 RBI and 60 stolen bases over the two-year span, which was marred by his 2015 right knee sprain that held him out of 43 contests and tanked his hot start.

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