The Orioles’ Brian Roberts scoots past Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia to steal second in the third inning at Camden Yards in Baltimore last night.

AP / Gail Burton

BALTIMORE — The Red Sox have placed pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list with a mild rotator-cuff strain.

As a result first baseman/outfielder Jeff Bailey has been recalled from Pawtucket and will take Matsuzaka’s roster spot for the weekend. On Tuesday, the Sox will recall a pitcher — Justin Masterson is the likeliest candidate — to take Dice-K’s spot in the rotation.

Matsuzaka was examined by team Dr. Thomas Gill in Boston yesterday morning and he underwent an MRI.

“The real good news was there is no structural changes, which is really good news,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “The final diagnosis is a mild deltoid rotator-cuff strain. The best way we can see to attack this is to take the time to strengthen it and get him ready to pitch the rest of the season.”

Francona spent about a half-hour with his office door here at Camden Yards closed during a conference call with GM Theo Epstein and Matsuzaka.

Francona was asked if the right-hander, who was removed from Tuesday’s start in Seattle due to shoulder fatigue, tried to fight his trip to the DL.

“A little bit, which is good,” Francona said. “That’s good news because that means he feels good about himself. That’s what good pitches and good players do. That’s part of the reason they’re good.”

Matsuzaka is 8-0 with a 2.53 ERA in 11 starts this season. He’s eligible to come off the DL on June 12. Francona said this isn’t the first time Matsuzaka has experienced shoulder fatigue.

Teammates welcome Bailey

When Bailey walked into the visitor’s clubhouse at Camden Yards yesterday afternoon, almost every Red Sox player and coach went out of their way to say hi. Bailey is one of the most respected players in the Sox’ organization, and the players in Boston are excited he’s been called up for the weekend.

The right-handed hitter is locked in at the plate for the PawSox. At the time of his recall, he was hitting .318 with 16 homers and 44 RBI in 50 games for Pawtucket.

“He’s doing great,” said Francona. “He knows this could be short term. When we send guys down we always tell them that if they do good there’s a chance they’ll get called up. He’s a great kid and has always made a good impression on the staff during spring training. He does his work, goes about his business and doesn’t complain.”

Bailey, a catcher by trade when he first began his pro career, has played mainly first base and the outfield for the PawSox. It will be that versatility that will come in handy for the Red Sox this weekend, especially with J.D. Drew out of the lineup with a bout of vertigo.

“There’s not much more I can ask for,” Bailey said. “I had to earn it, and I feel like I have. It will probably be only three days, but that’s fine. It’s just nice to be recognized.”

The 29-year-old made his major-league debut with the Red Sox last summer, and went 1-for-9 in three games. His one hit was a home run at Detroit.

He came close to not making his second big-league appearance because he was thrown at twice during an at bat on Thursday night at McCoy Stadium. Pawtucket and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees were playing their final game of a four-game set when the Yankees’ Jason Lane was hit by a pitch in the fourth inning.

In the fifth inning, Scranton pitcher Dan McCutcheon threw two pitches behind Bailey’s back and was ejected, along with manager Dave Miley. Bailey, the PawSox and manager Ron Johnson were not pleased about the situation because Bailey was getting called up.

Vertigo hits Drew

Drew was out of the lineup last night with a bout of vertigo. He said he first felt something Thursday night and he was put on medication yesterday morning. This is the second time he’s had it. Fellow outfielder Coco Crisp had it earlier this season, too.

“I’ve had it a couple of times before,” said Drew. “It’s just one of them things that you hope doesn’t stick around for a while. Fortunately, it hasn’t stuck around in the past.”

Probably the most famous Red Sox player to suffer from vertigo was Nick Esasky, who played first base for Boston in 1989.

Lugo takes a seat

Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo was given last night off. With Daniel Cabrera pitching for the Orioles Alex Cora was in the Sox’ lineup instead. He’s had success against Cabrera, going 11-for-23 (.478) with one home run.

jmcdonal@projo.com