OAKLAND -- Jacoby Ellsbury was out of the lineup Sunday in the Red Sox' series finale in Oakland, resting a sore right wrist that been "barking at him a little''for the last few days, according to manager Bobby Valentine.
"When we set off on the road trip, the training staff was hoping that one of these days would work,'' said Valentine. "It is a day game. We'll see if we can't get it to feel a little better.''
With Ellsbury out, Valentine shifted Scott Podsednik over from left field to center and had Pedro Ciriaco in left.
Ciriaco is being pressed into duty because the Sox find themselves short of outfield options.
Asked how comfortable he was with Ciriaco, an infielder by trade, playing the outfield, Valentine said: "Not very. But he's caught some pop-ups at third; they're just a little further out there in left.''
Ciriaco played the outfield center for a day in spring training.
Ryan Kalish has been unavailable for a few days because of recurring shoulder soreness. Kalish underwent shoulder surgery last off-season.
Boston Red Sox
"His shoulder's been keeping him from swinging in a game,'' said Valentine. "It felt a little better Saturday, but he still had treatment after batting practice. He's not really a game-ready guy.''
The Sox don't have many other options in the minors, either. Che-Hsuan Lin is on the 40-man roster, but because he was up for a day on an emergency basis last weekend when the team was short of players in the aftermath of the trade with the Dodgers, then optioned back, he can't return until 10 days have passed.
Meanwhile, infielder Ivan DeJesus was on his way to Oakland and was expected to arrive shortly before the game Sunday.
Valentine said DeJesus, part of the deal with the Dodgers last weekend, can play second and short and, likely, third base.
DeJesus is insurance since Dustin Pedroia's wife is pregnant and could go into labor at any time.
DeJesus gives us protection on the West Coast,'' said Valentine.