Carter

BOSTON — With David Ortiz (torn tendon sheath in his left wrist) forced to the disabled list, the Red Sox had to fill his spot on the roster.

The Sox chose Chris Carter, a 25-year-old outfielder/first baseman, who has been on a tear for Pawtucket.

Carter, who came to the Sox’ organization last Aug. 21, completing a trade that sent Wily Mo Pena to the Washington Nationals, was batting .316 with 10 homers and 35 RBI in 57 games for Pawtucket this season.

Yesterday marked the first day in the big leagues for Carter, a 17th-round pick of the Diamondbacks in 2004.

“(Carter) was really swinging the bat well,” said Boston manager Terry Francona. “This gives Carter an opportunity to come to the major leagues, which we think he deserves. We thought he hit himself to a place where we thought it would be good to reward him and maybe he’ll help us win a game,” said Francona.

Carter was thrilled to be in the Sox’ clubhouse.

“It’s amazing, absolutely,” said Carter, a Northern California native, who was told of the promotion yesterday morning at 9 o’clock by Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson in Charlotte.

“I was able to cross the threshold (from the minors to the majors). It’s a tremendous feeling. I didn’t know it was coming at all. I didn’t think I’d be called up. I was pretty shocked,” said Carter.

Carter is the 39th player on the active roster this season. Boston used 41 players last year.

The Carter-for-Ortiz roster swap wasn’t the only one for the Sox last night.

Boston called up Justin Masterson for last night’s start and returned Jeff Bailey to Pawtucket. Bailey went 0-for-3 with three walks in three games.

Around the horn

Jon Lester was honored in a pregame ceremony and was given the pitching rubber that was in the mound at Fenway on May 19 when he pitched a no-hitter against the Royals. … Over his last eight starts, Mike Lowell has 10 extra-base hits — four homers (including a two-run shot last night) and six doubles. … Jacoby Ellsbury swiped his 28th base (in 31 chances), the second-most for a Red Sox rookie. Amby McConnell stole 31 as a rookie in 1908. … J.D. Drew had two extra-base hits in a game for the first time this season. … Closer Jonathan Papelbon recorded the 89th save of his career, moving him past Jeff Reardon for sole possession of fourth place on the Red Sox all-time list. Ellis Kinder ranks just ahead of Papelbon with 91 saves. … Manny Ramirez extended his hitting streak to nine straight games, during which he’s hitting .368 (14-for-38) with four homers and 11 RBI. … It’s been almost a month to the day since Mike Lowell returned from a stint on the DL (thumb). Since May 5, Lowell is hitting .324 with eight homers and 27 RBI and 21 runs scored in the last 28 games, lifting his average from .204 to .284.

smcadam@projo.com, skrasner@projo.com