Boston’s Dustin Pedroia greets teammate Mike Lowell after Lowell hit a two-run homer in the third inning in last night’s contest against Milwaukee.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

BOSTON — Something very unusual occurred at Fenway Park yesterday afternoon.

Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis actually committed an error. You read that correctly, the man with the Gold Glove booted a ball. Red Sox manager Terry Francona decided to give third baseman Mike Lowell the first game off of yesterday’s doubleheader with the Brewers, so Youkilis played third and Sean Casey played first.

A natural third baseman by trade, Youkilis made the miscue with two outs in the top of the seventh inning. That play proved significant as the Brewers’ Mike Cameron crushed a two-run homer on the very next pitch from Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka to cut Milwaukee’s deficit to two runs, 4-2. Fortunately for Youkilis and Matsuzaka, the Sox bullpen finished the job en route to a 5-3 victory.

“I don’t ever like seeing any of our guys get errors,” said Francona. “But the fact you can go over there and play a major-league third base is what we appreciate. He does it, doesn’t say a word. He’s a Gold Glove first baseman, but he goes over there and plays a major league third base and helps us.”

The error was Youkilis’ first since July 25, 2007. It was a span of 94 errorless games. Because he was playing third, it keeps his streak of 1,848 consecutive errorless chances in 222 consecutive games at first base in tact.

No deal yet on Tavarez

The Red Sox have until Tuesday afternoon to trade Julian Tavarez, and by all accounts, they could use the extra time.

Though the Sox are in active discussions with a number of potential trade partners for the journeyman, they aren’t yet close to finalizing a deal.

Tavarez was designated for assignment last Monday in Minnesota to make room for the activation of first baseman Sean Casey. If the Sox don’t deal him by next 2 p.m. Tuesday, they can either place him on waivers or deal him with an additional penalty.

The Colorado Rockies, for whom Tavarez once pitched, are among the possible suitors.

Tavarez is owed just under $3 million for the remainder of the season.

Crisp suffering from vertigo

Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp had to leave Tuesday’s game in Baltimore after feeling dizzy, and while Francona said yesterday that Crisp is feeling better, the outfielder admitted he’s suffering from a “mild case” of vertigo.

Crisp said he really can’t describe the feeling, which he called a pounding sensation, but said it ranks as a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10.

He’s been taking medication for it and he joked about it, saying maybe he’s taking too many pills.

Crisp dealt with an inner-ear issue last season, which caused dizziness and nausea. He said this latest bout feels similar to that.

“I’m still feeling a little lightheaded,” he said. “But I feel like tomorrow or the next day I’ll be back to 100 percent.”

He did not play in yesterday’s matinee, but was in the starting lineup for the nightcap against the Brewers.

Schilling coming along

Curt Schilling was in the Red Sox clubhouse yesterday, joking with teammates and enjoying himself. He has reason for optimism.

Francona reported in his pre-game meeting that Schilling continues to make progress in his bid to return from shoulder problems.

“You know what, he’s doing OK,” Francona said. “Everything that’s been asked of him, as far as throwing, he’s handled it, I would say, with enthusiasm, which is a good sign. … He’s been upping the amount of throws. The first couple of times it was 60 feet with 25 throws; now it’s maybe 90 feet with 30. The whole idea is to build up arm strength and not go backwards,” Francona said.

The next step will be to have Schilling do some long tossing at 120 feet.

Some days off for Okajima

Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima has a sore wrist and will be shut down for a couple of days. The left-hander has been complaining about discomfort, but has been able to pitch through it. Francona said yesterday the team will be cautious in the next couple of days.

“He’s OK,” said Francona. “We’re certainly going to keep a close eye on him in the next couple of days.”

smcadam@projo.com