TORONTO — After last night’s 6-1 loss to Toronto, the Red Sox announced that Clay Buchholz will start tomorrow night’s series finale here against the Blue Jays.

Buchholz will step in and take the turn of Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is being given some additional rest as the Sox attempt to shape their rotation for the postseason.

Tomorrow night’s start will be the third of the season for Buchholz and first since he no-hit the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 1. He’s made just one appearance since the no-hitter — Sept. 6, when he tossed three shutout innings in relief.

The Sox have been careful to manage the rookie’s workload, though they have yet to affix a number to his inning limit.

“I’ve tried to stay as close to my (starter’s) routine as I can,” said Buchholz, “and the time off has let me rest a little bit.”

Buchholz threw a 25-30 pitch side session last night in preparation for the outing.

In the last few weeks, under the Sox’ watchful eye, Buchholz has thrown another four or so sessions.

“It’s been a little different being out in the bullpen,” he said. “At least I’ll have one more start.”

Youkilis still hurting

For the second straight night, Kevin Youkilis was sidelined with a sore wrist, the result of being struck by a pitch Saturday afternoon from Yankee starter Chien-Ming Wang.

Youkilis still has some soreness in the wrist and swelling around the thumb, paving the way for Eric Hinske to get his second start in a row in his place at first base.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said having Youkilis undergo an MRI on the hand wasn’t yet feasible, because there is still swelling and the test would reveal little. Youkilis underwent an x-ray soon after being struck Saturday afternoon that proved negative.

Since the hand is Youkilis’ throwing hand and his top hand at the plate, he’s limited to what he can do. Only yesterday did Youkilis start doing some light exercises with the hand.

As Youkilis brushed past reporters in the clubhouse yesterday, he was asked if he felt any better. He answered, “No,” without elaborating.

Hinske, meanwhile, went into last night hitting .421 (8-for-19) in his last eight games, during which he had a homer, four doubles and 5 RBI.

Manny getting closer

Manny Ramirez (strained left oblique) took extra-hitting in the cage, then took a regular turn during batting practice, but is unlikely to see any action until the Sox get to Tampa — at the earliest.

“He needs to clear himself,” said Francona, hinting that the team is waiting for the Sox to have Ramirez tell them he’s ready to return. “He’s swinging the bat fairly aggressively, but there has to be that confidence for him to go play and not hurt himself … to be able to know that you can take a swing and not hurt yourself.

Rookie rituals

Francona recounted the team’s trip here early yesterday morning, during which, in an annual hazing rite, the rookies were dressed up in drag and/or costume.

“There were some interesting looks (from bystanders),” said Francona with a chuckle, “but no international incidents. I don’t think there was much to make laugh (after a tough loss to the Yankees), but there was. Watching Daisuke (Matsuzaka dressed as a Teletubbie) go through security, I’m thinking, ‘Someone wrote a check for $102 million and he’s dressed up as a rodent.’ ”

Francona said the incident served a good late-season bonding experience.

“The way the guys handle those types of nights help the team,” Francona said. “I’m convinced of that. We got on the plane and it was a good plane ride.”

Around the bases

Despite a persistent campaign by Doug Mirabelli (left hamstring) to return to the lineup, the Sox had Kevin Cash catching knuckleballer Tim Wakefield last night. … Brandon Moss continues to get work at first base but Francona indicated that, with Youkilis sidelined, Alex Cora would be the Sox’ first choice behind Hinske. .. The Sox’ expanded roster featured no fewer than five former Blue Jays: Cash, Hinske, Mike Timlin, Royce Clayton and Bobby Kielty. … David Ortiz went into last night leading the American League in walks and could become the first Sox hitter since Ted Williams to lead the league in consecutive seasons. Williams led the A.L. from 1946 through 1949. … With one more homer, Mike Lowell can become the first Red Sox third baseman to hit 20 or more homers in consecutive seasons. .. Last night snapped Boston’s five-game winning streak against the Jays come to an end. … Jacoby Ellsbury (two hits) has now hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games. … The complete game by Dustin McGowan was the Jays’ major league-leading 11th of the season. .. Cora had an embarrassing moment in the eighth when, after fielding a grounder by Alex Rios to start the inning, he caught himself in a seam in the artificial turf and fell face first as he attempted to make the throw to first.

smcadam@projo.com