The Red Sox’ Julio Lugo is called out at first base during the third inning, even though replays showed he beat the throw in last night’s game against the Orioles.

The Providence Journal / Glenn Osmundson

BOSTON –– Though the plans aren’t officially set, indications are David Ortiz could begin a rehab assignment Thursday in Pawtucket when the second half of the International League season starts.

Ortiz has been on the disabled list since June 1 with a torn sheath in his left wrist. He’s been taking batting practice since Monday and is progressing, but needs an extended period of at-bats in game situations before the Sox can activate him from the DL.

“I’m going to need eight to 10 games,” said Ortiz as he got ready to take some swings in the cage yesterday. “You’ve got to remember, I haven’t played in about five weeks.”

In an effort to reduce travel for Ortiz, the Sox are looking to have him rehab nearby. The PawSox have a short homestand to kick off the second half of the season, hosting Toledo from July 17-20 at McCoy Stadium.

After that, they begin a road trip that will take them to Columbus and Toledo. Rather than send Ortiz on a road trip, the Sox could have Ortiz travel to Portland, where the Double-A Sea Dogs are home for four games.

It’s doubtful that the Sox would send Ortiz to their only other New England affiliate — the Lowell Spinners of the New York-Penn League — because of the level of competition in the short-season Class-A level where most players are just out of high school or college. But if they were so inclined, the Spinners are home for a stretch beginning July 22.

If Ortiz needed eight or so games to regain his feel at the plate, it’s conceivable he could be activated in time for the team’s return to Fenway, July 26, for the start of a three-game series with the Yankees.

Lugo injured

It appears the Red Sox have lost another player due to injury.

In the bottom of the ninth inning last night, shortstop Julio Lugo suffered a left quad injury while beating out a base hit. He pulled up just before the first-base bag and, after he was called safe, he dropped to the ground in obvious pain. It’s likely he suffered a slight tear, which will require a trip to the disabled list.

“I think he did it pretty good,” said manager Terry Francona. “We’ll get him looked at (today) but I think there’s a chance that he just didn’t strain this.”

PawSox shortstop Jed Lowrie will likely be summoned to replace Lugo. Lowrie, who was recalled earlier this season, went 0-4 for Pawtucket last night at Norfolk. He’s hitting .268 with five homers and 32 RBI for the PawSox this season.

This will be Lowrie’s third stint with Boston this season. He began his major-league career with an eight-game hitting streak and went 3-for-4 in his final game in Boston on May 10 against Minnesota. In 17 games with the Red Sox, he has a .310 average with one homer and seven RBI.

Drew could be back today

Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew missed his second consecutive game last night with a sore back. He said he felt the twinge in his back during the sixth inning on Tuesday against the Twins when he broke for a ball in the outfield. His back stiffened up a little as the game progressed. Manager Terry Francona replaced him in the ninth inning with Coco Crisp.

“It’s a little stiff, but not too bad,” Drew said yesterday afternoon. “I’m probably a day away just to be on the safe side. Considering how I was the other day, I’m much better.”

Drew had a similar injury earlier this season, so he said he doesn’t want to push it and make it worse and end up being out for an extended amount of time. He received treatment again yesterday and said he’ll see how he feels when he wakes up this morning.

Francona said yesterday afternoon that he believes Drew will be ready to play today.

The American League’s Player of the Month for June, Drew is 8-for-28 (.286) in his last six games.

Rest prescribed for Crisp

Drew wasn’t the only one out of last night’s lineup. Crisp was given the night off due to an injured forearm, according to Francona. The manager said Crisp is a little beat up and they’re not sure how he did it.

“It sounds crazy, but between the diving and running into walls, he’s just a little beat up,” Francona said.

Crisp is hitless in his last 14 at-bats. Overall, he’s batting .259 with five homers and 22 RBI this season.

Praise for a job well done

Veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield will make his 19th start of the season today, carrying with him a 5-6 record and a 3.75 ERA. The numbers really don’t indicate how consistent he has been this season, but his performances haven’t gone unnoticed within the clubhouse.

“It’s very welcome,” said Francona. “It’s amazing. He just goes out there and gives you a chance to win. He has the ability to get on runs that have a way of going for a long time, which is good.”

During his last start at New York last weekend, Wakefield worked 6 1/3 innings and allowed only three runs on four hits. Even though he suffered a 5-4 loss to the Yankees, when he left the game in the seventh inning with one runner on and one out, Boston had a 4-2 lead. After the game, Wakefield was clearly upset he was removed from the game.

And the winners are …

The Red Sox held the World Series ring raffle before last night’s game and 10 numbers were selected — nine will win a Red Sox 2007 World Series ring, and one winner will win a new car.

Here are the winning numbers for the ring: 038,212, 121,708, 121,479, 168,565, 000,100, 108,982, 013,013, 158,101, 170,920. The winning number for the car is 128,609. For more information, log on to redsox.com.

Around the bases

Dustin Pedroia’s 17-game hitting streak came to an end last night when the second baseman went 0-for-3 with two walks. During the streak, Pedroia was 36-for-76 (.474). … The two walks for Pedroia matched a season-high. He had gone the previous eight games without drawing a single walk. He has 24 walks this season after 93 games. In his rookie season, he needed only 63 games to draw 24 walks. … Brandon Moss had a 2-for-4 night with a double and RBI, giving him four multi-hit games in his last seven games with an at-bat. … Lugo is hitting .305 at Fenway this season, compared to just .233 on the road. … The Red Sox dipped below .500 (18-19) against A.L. East opponents this season.

smcadam@projo.com