Farrell gives Ellsbury a breather

BOSTON -- Though the Red Sox were fighting to keep first place on Tuesday night against the surging Rays, manager John Farrell elected to give Jacoby Ellsbury a rest.

Shane Victorino batted leadoff and got the nod in center, Daniel Nava hit second and Mike Carp got the start in left.

The reason for sitting Ellsbury?

"These 10 games coming out of the break are looked upon as all of equal importance, trying to find spots for guys and rotate guys through. That's what tonight is with Jacoby," said Farrell.

Ellsbury is a career .235 hitter against the Rays' Roberto Hernandez, who started on Tuesday.