James Shields was in fine form against the Red Sox yesterday, pitching a complete-game two-hitter, capping the Rays’ sweep.

AP / Mike Carlson

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — So much for not making any excuses.

It is certainly true that the Red Sox have had a tough schedule to start the season. Boston had a shortened spring training due to its opening series in Japan. The Sox, for obvious reasons, have been playing matinee games after night games on getaway days. They have had short series with the Indians and Yankees. They’ve played 20 consecutive games in this stretch, leading into today’s second off-day of the season.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona has been asked numerous times about the tough early-season schedule, and time and again he claims the team wouldn’t make any excuses. He did say, however, that he knew the time would come when a player would let his emotions get the better of him and perhaps say something he shouldn’t.

That happened yesterday.

Pitcher Josh Beckett provided a solid starting performance, in which he struck out a career-high 13 in his seven-inning outing. The right-hander allowed only two runs (one earned) and four hits. He didn’t get any help from his offense, and when he looked around the clubhouse after the team’s 3-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, he saw a lot of tired players. So he made his feelings known.

“A lot of our guys need that,” he said, referring to today’s off-day. “It’s unfortunate we’re just a little banged up right now. Tito is usually pretty good staying on top of giving guys days off when we’re in a stretch like that. I mean, Kevin Youkilis (0-for-3 yesterday) needs to be in there right now because he’s either playing third or first.

“There’s nothing you can do,” added Beckett. “Tito’s hands are tied. It’s going to be nice to get Mike Lowell back pretty soon. (MLB) makes the schedule and it’s not just the 20 games in a row we play — 8 o’clock getaway games in Oakland. There’s not enough [complaining] and moaning that goes on to get it changed. I don’t know what we can do.”

He wasn’t done.

“That’s what strings guys out,” he said. “It’s tough playing 20 in a row, anyway, but whenever you get Sunday night baseball here and Sunday night baseball there, it’s at 8 o’clock and you don’t get home until 5 in the morning. Then you’re right back out there the next day.”

It’s a safe bet Francona and the players are looking forward to having today off. Other than Lowell (for rehab) and a few pitchers, including Beckett, there won’t be anyone else at Fenway Park today.

“It’ll be nice for everybody to get away and not think about baseball for a day,” said the Sox’ Dustin Pedroia. “It could be good for us.”

The Red Sox are not the only team to have a tough schedule. The New York Yankees are in the middle of playing 18 of 20 games on the road.

When the Sox open their three-game set against the Blue Jays tomorrow night at Fenway, Lowell (thumb) and David Ortiz (knee) should be back in the lineup. Lowell went 1-for-4 with a RBI in his third rehab game with the PawSox yesterday. He’s scheduled to meet with the Red Sox’ medical staff today at Fenway Park.

Manny mans DH spot

Manny Ramirez served as the club’s DH yesterday with Ortiz still on the bench because of an ailing right knee. Francona told Ramirez after Saturday’s night game that he would DH yesterday. With a day game after a night game, especially with today’s off-day, Francona felt it made sense to put Ramirez in that spot.

“I think there are days when it probably does him some good,” said Francona. “I think he’d rather play the outfield. … I think he probably likes it sometimes, but I don’t think he would want to do it every day.”

Ortiz and Francona spoke after Saturday’s game and decided to see how the big man felt yesterday morning before making a decision on whether he would play in the series finale against the Rays. When Ortiz arrived at Tropicana Field, he met with his manager and said his knee was still sore. With the off-day today, Francona felt it was best to rest Ortiz again yesterday. The manager said after yesterday’s game that he would use Ortiz as a pinch-hitter, if needed.

Francona, who dealt with many knee injuries during his playing career, knows exactly how Ortiz is feeling right now.

“Anybody who has had knee problems — when you bruise it, it hurts more,” said Francona.

As far as Ramirez in the DH spot and not in left field, Francona also knows how difficult an adjustment it can be to serve in that role since he was used as a DH during his playing days.

“After the first four or five games, I caught on and figured it out,” he said. “It was different. You’re part of the game. Then you’re not part of the game. It’s different.”

Ramirez went 0-for-2 with a walk. He stole second after that walk in the fifth inning for his first swipe since April 10, 2005 at Toronto. Francona wouldn’t say whether he gave the slugger the green light or if he went on his own.

“He was just trying to make something happen,” said the manager.

Lester, Dice-K start next

Francona has finally decided on his next two starters. Lefty Jon Lester will go tomorrow night and right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka will go on Wednesday night against the Blue Jays. This will give Dice-K, who has been battling the flu back in Boston, an extra day to recover.

jmcdonal@projo.com