FORT MYERS, Fla. — Coco Crisp, has been hampered by a strained groin and hasn’t played since Saturday. He missed Thursday’s game to undergo a root canal.

It’s not clear when Crisp will be cleared to return to game action, and given the fact that he’s competing with Ellsbury for the starting center field spot and the truncated spring has condensed the evaluation period, his absence is becoming problematic.

“It’s not an issue yet,” said Terry Francona. “But we’re trying to make some decisions and (missing almost a week) doesn’t make it any easier, that’s for sure.”

smcadam@projo.com