PAWTUCKET — PawSox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury has played 22 consecutive games since he was recalled from Double-A Portland on May 4, so it was a little unusual the phenom was out of the lineup last night.

Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said Ellsbury has a little stiffness in his back. In fact, Johnson originally had Ellsbury in last night’s lineup but felt it was better to give the young outfielder the night off.

As a result, David Murphy, who has been playing left since Ellsbury arrival here, was back in center with Bobby Scales in left and Brandon Moss in right.

The utility man Scales “is a very valuable guy because he gives everybody a chance to have a day off,” said Johnson. “The weather is getting a little bit warmer, and it’s really easy for me, as a manager, to fall in love with my outfield and run them out there every single day.”

Johnson said he was looking for a day to give Ellsbury a day off, and last night was it. The manager explained Ellsbury was available if needed and expects him to be back in the lineup tonight. Since his arrival here, he’s hitting .284 with 3 doubles, 2 triples, and 10 RBI.

Spann gets adjusted

There’s been a lot of talk this season about all the young talent in Pawtucket, but for some reason third baseman Chad Spann has flown under the radar a bit. The 23-year-old was selected by Boston in the fifth round (148th overall) in 2002 and finally made the jump to Triple-A this season.

After hitting .294 with 10 homers and 50 RBI in 99 games for the Sea Dogs in 2006, Spann has yet to make the transition to this level.

“It’s not going real well,” said Spann. “I’m struggling a little bit and it hasn’t come together, yet. I’m going out and working hard every day to make the adjustment to make it all work.”

Spann has slowly come around of late. Before last night’s game against the Clippers, he was hitting .292 (14 for 48) with two homers and three RBI in his last 13 games.

He’s been trying to keep it simple of late and said he was thinking too much when he was in the box.

“He’s holding his own mentallty,” said Johnson. “I know he’s disappointed right now with his offensive numbers, but I have been very impressed with this guy with his overall approach and professionalism for a young player who is battling adversity.

“He’s a diligent worker and he doesn’t seem to be devastated I’m sure he’s disappointed, but there’s a difference between the two,” added Johnson. “As long as he continues to do that, he’ll climb out of it. It’s a big learning thing for him right now.”

Delcarmen’s back

With the Red Sox activating pitcher Josh Beckett, fellow hurler Manny Delcarmen was optioned back to Pawtucket yesterday. The hard-throwing right-hander is 2-2 with a 5.03 ERA in 14 relief appearances for the PawSox this season. He was recalled to Boston on May 21 and worked one perfect inning of relief against the New York Yankees in his only appearance.

jmcdonal@projo.com