This situation at critical mass

It was hard to watch the Sox’ 6-5 loss to the moribund Indians last night. They started Eric Patterson in center and Ryan Kalish in left. Mike Cameron, who has played all season with an abdominal muscle tear, was mercifully placed on the disabled list, and Daniel Nava was recalled from Pawtucket. Kevin Youkilis went to the bench after hurting his thumb in the second inning. Victor Martinez replaced Youkilis at first base and Kevin Cash came in to catch.

Meanwhile, Ellsbury sat with his teammates in the dugout, still unable to play. It was not unlike that July night in 2004 when Nomar Garciaparra sat and stewed while Derek Jeter dived into the stands and the Yankees beat the Red Sox in extra innings. That was the night it was clear the Sox had to trade Nomar and that’s the way it feels with Ellsbury now. Too bad. Ellsbury’s an amazing talent, a 26-year-old center fielder who stole 70 bases last year and has a lifetime batting average of .297.

This standoff of 2010 is at critical mass. The Red Sox aren’t going to call him out publicly, but the organization and Ellsbury’s teammates simply have to be fed up.

Martinez, Jason Varitek, and Dustin Pedroia stayed with their teammates after they broke bones. Ellsbury went to Athletes’ Performance Institute in Arizona. Martinez vaulted right into the lineup when his broken thumb improved. Varitek and Pedroia plan to do the same thing.

Ellsbury went to Fort Myers to resume baseball activities. Then he played three games in the Gulf Coast Rookie League. Over the weekend he resumed his rehab assignment in Pawtucket. Sunday he almost vaulted over the center-field fence in pursuit of a homer by Chris Richard.

“It looked like it was 10 feet over his head,’’ gushed Pawtucket manager Torey Lovullo. “When you make moves like that, and you’re talking about agility and strength, and reading the ball — and you see plays like that — it’s very satisfying. He’s ready.’’

Apparently not. Ellsbury came to Fenway last night but was not ready. He is scheduled to play for Pawtucket again today. Meanwhile, the wounded Sox are sinking in the American League East.