TORONTO — A day after criticizing Barry Bonds for everything from his alleged steroid use to his off-field behavior, a contrite Curt Schilling yesterday apologized on his blog.

Schilling wrote that “it was absolutely irresponsible and wrong to say what I did.”

In his regular weekly appearance on WEEI Tuesday morning, Schilling said that Bonds wasn’t a worthy home run champion and cited the slugger’s steroid use as part of his case.

The comments exasperated manager Terry Francona, who found himself faced with questions about Schilling’s remarks and, at the same time, about comments from David Ortiz in a Boston Herald story.

Ortiz defended Bonds and added that it’s possible that he (Ortiz) might have unwittingly ingested steroids when he regularly drank an energy drink in his native Dominican Republic years ago.

Francona was irate when a Toronto reporter entered his office after Tuesday’s game and asked for his comment now that “Ortiz has admitted using steroids.”

“I get tired sometimes of answering things that aren’t about baseball,” said Francona, who made it clear that he didn’t blame Ortiz for his remarks.

He was more direct in addressing Schilling, who is known for his strong opinions, often featured on his Web site www.38pitches.com.

“Schill probably just needs to stay away from some of those things,” said Francona. “If he wants to run for office and tackle the world’s problems, go ahead, just not while I’m the manager.

Rest for Youkilis

First baseman Kevin Youkilis, struck on the left leg Tuesday for the second time in the last two games, sat out last night’s contest.

Youkilis was plunked on the left quad Sunday in Minnesota, then took a pitch in the same general area Tuesday night in the series opener.

Francona originally had Youkilis’ name in the Boston lineup last night, but after Youkilis arrived and the two conferred, it was decided that he would benefit from a night off.

With Youkilis out, Eric Hinske was at first, hitting eighth in the order, with center fielder Coco Crisp elevated to Youkilis’ customary No. 2 spot.

Bullpen’s been stellar

Thanks in part to the job being turned in by the starting rotation, the Red Sox’ bullpen has been stellar in the last month.

Over the previous 24 games before last night, Red Sox relievers had combined for a 1.67 ERA. In 59 1/3 innings, the bullpen had allowed just 11 earned runs.

For the season, the Sox were 13-for-14 in save opportunities, a conversion rate of .929, the best in baseball.

Around the bases

With a win last night, the Sox assured themselves of winning the three-game series. … The Sox have a 6-1 mark in seven road series to date. They have won every road series this season except their second, in Texas, on the opening road trip. The Sox are 13-6 on the road and have won 10 of their last 12 away from home. … J.D. Drew, who’s been coming out early for extra hitting and to watch video, was 0-for-2 with two walks and has just four hits in his last 42 at-bats for an .095 average. … Jon Lester played catch from a distance of 90 feet yesterday for 12 minutes. After taking today off, Lester will resume his throwing program tomorrow when the Sox return home to Boston. … Mike Timlin, sidelined with shoulder soreness, continues to receive treatment on a daily basis, but hasn’t been cleared to resume throwing. … Julio Lugo’s two-run homer in the sixth gave him 12 RBI in the last 10 games. … The four-hit game for Ortiz was the 10th such game of his career . . . Manny Ramirez has hit more homers off the Blue Jays (53) than any opponent in the history of the franchise. He also upped his career RBI total against Toronto to 131, tying him with Harold Baines for the most ever.

smcadam@projo.com