NEW YORK -- Aaron Hicks is expected to return to the Yankees' lineup sooner than Jacoby Ellsbury, whose rehab from a right oblique strain has been stalled by a left hip injury, according to manager Aaron Boone.
After missing most of Spring Training, Ellsbury had been logging at-bats at the Yankees' Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla. Boone said that the 34-year-old outfielder has been shut down for at least two days with the latest injury.
As such, there is virtually no chance that Ellsbury will be able to assist the Yankees' injury-racked outfield when he is eligible on Thursday.
"He just felt a little something in the hip, and it's going to cost him a couple of days here," Boone said. "It's different from what he was dealing with. Hopefully it's something small and not a big deal and not a huge setback."
Boone said that Hicks -- who was placed on the disabled list after sustaining a right intercostal strain on Opening Day -- should be activated before Ellsbury. Hicks has resumed hitting off a tee and could play in the upcoming series at Boston on April 10-12.
"We're optimistic that it's going to be on the short end of things," Boone said.
Boone added that Clint Frazier is moving closer to game action. Frazier has been sidelined since late February with a concussion sustained in the Yankees' second game of the spring.
"He's running the bases and tracking high velocity [pitches]," Boone said. "He's doing all of the things and continues to build momentum. Hopefully getting into game action is very close."

From downtown
Prior to Tuesday's game, the Yankees acquired outfielder Trayce Thompson off waivers from the Dodgers, while transferring right-hander Ben Heller to the 60-day disabled list with a right elbow bone spur.
Thompson, 27, played all three outfield positions last season for Los Angeles, batting .122 in 49 at-bats. The right-handed batter compiled a .212/.269/.363 split line in 95 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City, and has a career .754 OPS in 151 big league games for the White Sox and Dodgers.
The son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson, both of Thompson's brothers are professional basketball players. Klay Thompson stars for the Golden State Warriors and Mychel Thompson has played in the NBA Development League.
Bombers bits
Adam Warren (bruised right foot) is scheduled to throw off a bullpen mound on Tuesday and could be available to pitch against the Rays.