BOSTON -- David Ortiz did not start last night, primarily because the Red Sox faced Rays lefty Scott Kazmir. It had nothing to do with Ortiz’s wrist.

“We talked about it during the game [Monday] night,” manager Terry Francona said. “It’s not easy not writing his name in the lineup, but it seemed like a good night to do it.”

Ortiz reported over the weekend in Texas that he’s been feeling a “clicking” in his ailing left wrist, but it’s not something he or the club is overly concerned with.

Yesterday afternoon Ortiz said he was fine and that he has good days and bad days with the wrist.

Ortiz pinch-hit in the seventh inning for Jeff Bailey, who was serving as DH in the No. 9 spot in the order. Big Papi flied out to right.

-PAUL KENYON