BOSTON –– Boston manager Terry Francona wanted to make sure that Jacoby Ellsbury didn’t feel any “hesitancy” on his swing before committing to play the rookie outfielder Tuesday night.

Ellsbury suffered a strained right wrist making a diving catch last Thursday. He took batting practice Monday without any issues. And during BP yesterday, Ellsbury, sporting an extra wrap on his sore wrist, showed no signs of babying his hand through the swing.

The right hand is his bottom hand, and in order to drive the ball, Ellsbury has to pull that hand through the swing. He was able to do that, following through normally during BP.

And nothing changed in the game. In his very first a-bat, after having been out of the starting lineup for three games, Ellsbury led off the first inning by rifling a single up the middle. Moments later he scored the game’s first run.