OAKLAND — Last week in Tokyo, manager Terry Francona said he wanted Jacoby Ellsbury to hit lower in the order, in part to avoid putting too much pressure on the rookie outfielder.

But last night, as the Sox resumed their season against the Oakland A’s, Ellsbury found his name at the top of the batting order — at least for a night.

The absence of J.D. Drew was a contributing factor. Without Drew in the sixth spot, Francona thought it was better to have Kevin Youkilis’ bat lower in the lineup to give the Sox some depth.

At the same time, with Ellsbury hitting first, Dustin Pedroia second and David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell following the top two, the Sox had a nice left-right balance restored.

“We’re trying to patch things together,” said Francona. “We’re just trying to keep the lineup stretched out. It might end up being good for (everyone). We know (Ellsbury) can do it — he did in October.”

Francona also hinted that Ellsbury’s elevation might be temporary.

“There’s a difference between asking him to be accountable (in the leadoff spot) for six months,” he said, “and asking him to do it for a night or two.”

Ellsbury might have been a little surprised at the move, but didn’t seem overwhelmed by the prospect of hitting first.

“I feel comfortable there,” he said. “Maybe the only difference with this team is, hitting at the top, you want to get on base for the middle-of-the-order guys, and when you hit lower, you might be trying to knock them in.”

In the past, the Sox have been reluctant to have players run at the top of the order out of fear that a caught stealing could take them out of a potential big inning. But Ellsbury, emphasizing the positive, said his presence could also result in the run producers seeing an additional fastball or two.

smcadam@projo.com