BOSTON -- Jacoby Ellsbury has been forced to sit out another game, though just sitting around is an uncomfortable proposition for the rookie center fielder, in more ways than one.

Ellsbury was drilled on the rear end by a pitch from White Sox left-hander John Danks during Monday's game in Chicago. He has a bruised tail bone as a result.

So during Wednesday night's game at Fenway Park against Texas, manager Terry Francona said Ellsbury was doing his best to get comfortable on the bench, sitting on a "self-made cushion."

"It's nothing more than a bruise, but it's a pretty good bruise," said Francona.

Francona said Ellsbury could have started Thursday night, but one issue would have been whether he would have been able to slide should the need arise. So Coco Crisp started in the series finale with the Rangers.

Ellsbury did eventually enter the game in place of J.D. Drew in right-field. He came to bat once, striking out.

-STEVEN KRASNER