BOSTON — Tempers flared between Julian Tavarez and former Sox shortstop Orlando Cabrera yesterday, relating to an incident dating back to the Red Sox visit to Anaheim two weeks ago.

In the third inning with the Sox trailing, 2-0, Tavarez threw a pitch that grazed Cabrera’s uniform. As Cabrera prepared to go to first, he began shouting at Tavarez, prompting the dugouts and bullpens to empty.

Both teams were then warned by home plate umpire Mike Winters.

When the teams met Aug. 6 in Anaheim, Tavarez, pitching in relief, confronted Cabrera between the first base line and the pitcher’s mound after the latter made the final out of an inning. Tavarez alleged that Cabrera had a habit of looking at location — where the opposing catcher is set up — and warned him that he would hit him if it continued.

“I said [in Anaheim], ‘If you are doing it, stop doing it because I will hit you if you are doing it,’ ”said Tavarez. “I said it the right way.”

“It was more personal than anything against the Red Sox,” said Cabrera of yesterday’s confrontation. In Anaheim, “he said ‘You’re like [Julio] Lugo — Lugo likes to give signs. If Lugo played on another team, I’d hit him.’ [Being hit] was intentional. I asked [Tavarez] if he was satisfied that he hit me [and] ‘Can we let it go?’ ”

Tavarez denied that he was seeking revenge yesterday and said he wasn’t trying to hit Cabrera intentionally.

“I’m not going to go out there and start putting guys on base with Vlad Guerrero [due next],” said Tavarez. “I ain’t going to out there and start hitting guys because it’s not good for me … I’m not looking to give up runs out there or hit him on purpose, already down 2-0.”

Youkilis still in a slump

It’s clear Kevin Youkilis is getting frustrated at the plate. In the last 38 games his batting average has dipped from .329 to .290, and yesterday was another 0-fer day. He struck out three times — twice swinging — and lined out to third. In his last 10 games he’s 4-for-35 (.114) after a 10-for-25 (.400) streak in his previous six games before this current skid. Skipper Terry Francona said he’s not worried about Youkilis’ offense.

“I don’t think he’s pressing too much,” said Francona. “There are a lot of peaks and valleys for a lot of players, and you can’t always have nine guys hot. If you do then it’s awesome, but it doesn’t happen all the time. In his first couple of at-bats he doesn’t make contact, then he hits a ball about as hard as you can right to the third baseman, for me, that’s not pressing it’s a great swing.”

Youkilis wasn’t around the clubhouse after yesterday’s game, and he’s probably looking forward to the upcoming road trip. He finished the home stand against Tampa and Anaheim pitching 3-for-37 (.111).

Kielty breaks in with a bang

Bobby Kielty got two hits, a big ovation and some bruises in his rib area from his first game in a Red Sox uniform. Boston’s newest outfielder got to fulfill a lifelong dream, as well.

“I was very excited, extremely excited about it,” he said of his Boston debut. “It’s the team I always wanted to play for since I was a little boy. My dad was from the area. It’s the team I always rooted for.” He still has relatives in New England who were at the game yesterday.

“They’re more excited than anything about seeing a Red Sox jersey on my back,” he said.

Kielty, who grew up and still lives in California, singled in each of his first two at-bats. What was easily his most memorable moment, though, came in the first inning on the first ball hit to him in right. Casey Kotchman drilled a long blast, with two outs, a runner on and two runs already in. It looked to be headed for the Angels bullpen.

“The ball carried very well. I wasn’t real sure off the bat if I was gong to catch it,” Kielty said. “It ended up working out good.” Kielty timed his run back and leaped to catch it as he reached the bullpen wall. The ball was clearly far enough for a home run. But Kielty pulled it back, one of a half dozen excellent defensive plays made by the Sox in the game.

“I wasn’t really focused on the wall. I was focused on the ball. I actually didn’t know the wall was as close as it was,” Kielty said. “I was more focused on making the catch.” His ribs paid the price, banging into the top of the wall as he came down. Kielty spent some extra time crouching on the warning track after making the catch but was able to continue.

“I’m a little bit banged up but I think it’s probably going to be fine,” he said.

Stenhouse played for Boston

Cranston native Mike Stenhouse was omitted from a list of Rhode Islanders who have played for the Red Sox that ran in Saturday’s Journal.

The outfielder/first baseman played 21 games for Boston during the 1986 season.

pkenyon@projo.com