Mike Lowell and Manny Ramirez after Lowell’s three-run homer in the fifth.

The Providence Journal / Glenn Osmundson

BOSTON — After attempting to rebuild their bullpen last offseason, the Red Sox have now cut ties with three of their veteran imports.

Weeks after the Sox released lefty J.C. Romero, the team yesterday designated Joel Pineiro for assignment, opening a roster spot for Jon Lester, who will be promoted and start tonight in Cleveland. The club hopes to find a taker for Pineiro, who was 1-1 with a 5.01 ERA in 31 games.

The Sox have 10 days to either trade him or release him outright. The 10-day span enables the Sox to shop him right up to the non-waiver trading deadline on July 31, and there are indications that some teams are interested in dealing for him.

It’s unlikely the Sox will get much in return for Pineiro, but they may be able to save some money on his salary. After tonight, the Sox will have played exactly two-thirds of the season, meaning Pineiro will be due about $1.3 million of his $4-million guaranteed base.

If the Sox can’t deal him, or no team claims him on waivers, the Red Sox will be responsible for all but about $125,000 — or one-third of the pro-rated $380,000 minimum salary.

A starter most of his career, Pineiro was signed with the idea of having him pitch the late innings and perhaps even close. But Jonathan Papelbon was returned to the closer’s role toward the end of spring training and Pineiro never established himself in a set-up role.

Opposing hitters hit .293 against him and allowed runs in 13 of the 31 games in which he appeared. Continuing a career-long trend, he walked too many hitters — issuing 14 in 34 innings of work — to be effective.

Pineiro was told of the move before the game and cleaned out his locker during the game. He was unavailable for comment afterward.

His great escape

Papelbon inherited a three-run lead yesterday and made life difficult himself before nailing down his 22nd save.

He gave up singles to Juan Uribe and Jeremy Owens, then walked Alex Cintron to fill the bases.

But Papelbon fanned Jim Thome on a 96-mph fastball and got Paul Konerko on a game-ending double play.

The appearance was Papelbon’s first save opportunity since July 13, and he acknowledged that it took him a while to find his rhythm.

“I hadn’t been out there in a while,” he said. “(After getting in trouble), I had to take a step back and regroup a bit.”

Papelbon hasn’t blown a save chance since May 1, and has converted his last 14 opportunities in succession. He has yet to allow a run at home this season.

A pitching rarity

A rarity, of sorts, took place yesterday when two knuckleballers pitched in the same game.

Tim Wakefield started for the Sox and pitched into the seventh. Meanwhile, Charlie Haeger came on in relief of White Sox starter Jon Garland and finished with 3 1/3 innings.

Wakefield worked with Haeger last September when the White Sox visited Fenway, and met up again in the Fenway Park weight room at the beginning of this series. The two share a special fraternity as the only two knuckleball pitchers in the major leagues.

The last time Wakefield pitched in a game with another knuckleball pitcher was June 3, 2002 when he pitched in relief and Steve Sparks started for Detroit.

Delcarmen struggles

Manny Delcarmen encountered his first rough relief outing since being recalled last month, though he was ultimately bailed out of trouble by teammate Hideki Okajima.

Delcarmen faced five hitters in the seventh inning and retired only one. He walked two and allowed two singles as the White Sox inched back into the game.

Before yesterday, Delcarmen had built a scoreless string of 10 2/3 innings. He also allowed his first inherited runner to score yesterday after stranding the first 11 he had inherited.

Around the bases

Julio Lugo, in the leadoff spot for the second consecutive game, extended his hitting streak to a season-high 12 games with an eighth-inning bloop single. Previously, he had walked twice and popped out twice. During his hitting streak, Lugo is batting .457 (21-for-46) and has lifted his average to .225. The hitting streak is the longest for the shortstop since he hit safely in 14 straight, while with Houston in 2000. … Thirteen of Eric Hinske’s 23 hits this season have gone for extra bases. … Coco Crisp had three more hits and is batting .416 in his last six games. … Wakefield, who improved to 11-9, is the first Red Sox pitcher to earn decisions in each of his first 20 decisions since Tom Brewer in 1957. … Yesterday was Wakefield’s 500th career appearance.

Ortiz sits again

Designated hitter David Ortiz yesterday missed his second straight game because of a strained left shoulder, but he said it’s possible he could to return to the lineup Wednesday night, the third game of a four-game series in Cleveland.

Ortiz suffered the injury during Friday night’s game on a head-first slide into second base. Ortiz underwent an MRI on Saturday. The test showed there was no structural damage.

“It’s better than it was, but it’s a little sore today,” said Ortiz yesterday morning. “The MRI showed some fluid in there, but no fracture. It might take a couple more days to be better than what it is. Maybe by the third game in Cleveland (it will be healthy enough to allow him to play). We’ll see how it goes.”

Ortiz said he has been working with the Sox’ trainers to regain his flexibility, and has already made strides in that regard. He’s able to bend his left elbow in a hitting position and almost bring it up to his shoulder height, which is an improvement over Saturday, he said.

skrasner@projo.com