RAMIREZ

BOSTON — Although the Red Sox initially believed that Curt Schilling would return to the starting rotation immediately after the All-Star break, the expectation now is that the veteran right-hander won’t start again for the Sox before Aug. 1.

Schilling, who is battling tendinitis and general weakness in his right shoulder, has yet to even begin long-toss, much less throw off a mound. Yesterday morning, he played catch from a distance of about 90 feet.

The plan now is for Schilling to continue his program over the weekend and through the All-Star break. He will then throw off a mound either next Thursday or the following day.

As he rebuilds his arm strength and increases his workload, eventually Schilling will probably need two rehab starts in the minor leagues before he’s cleared to take his regular turn in the Red Sox’ rotation.

Rotation set

Meanwhile, the Red Sox announced their rotation for the start of the second half. Tim Wakefield will pitch the first game on July 12 against Toronto, followed by Julian Tavarez, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Josh Beckett in the four-game series.

Kason Gabbard, who has already made two starts in Schillings spot, will open the series with Kansas City on July 16.

A change of heart

While Major League Baseball has received no official confirmation, the Red Sox expect that Manny Ramirez will travel to San Francisco and take part in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.

Three times in Ramirez’s first six years with the Sox, he was either voted to or selected to the American League team but chose not to go, citing injuries.

Last season, the Sox announced weeks before the All-Star Game that Ramirez, nursing some tendinitis in the knee, would benefit from the time off and would probably not attend despite being one of the biggest vote-getters in fan balloting.

But Ramirez has told people in the Red Sox clubhouse that he feels honored and humbled in being voted to the team by his peers and intends to honor his selection.

Ramirez got the day off yesterday after going to manager Terry Francona before the start of Tuesday night’s game and telling the manager he could use a day of rest.

Jacoby Ellsbury, who was a late-inning substitution for Ramirez in Tuesday’s game, got his first major-league start in left field.

Two-nation front

If Hideki Okajima isn’t elected to the All-Star Team — voting concludes at 6 o’clock tonight — it won’t be for lack of effort on the part of the Red Sox.

Yesterday afternoon, in announcing their partnership with the Chiba Lotte Marines at a press conference in Japan, Red Sox vice president of International Scouting Craig Shipley held up a sign that urged Japanese fans to visit MLB.com and vote for their fellow countryman.

Meanwhile, in Tuesday’s telecast of Matsuzaka’s start back to Japan, the Sox posted a similar sign in Japanese behind home plate.

“He’s got two nations behind him — Japan and Red Sox Nation,” joked Shipley.

It’s been a while

Closer Jonathan Papelbon notched his 20th save in 21 tries this season by retiring the Rays in order in the ninth, striking out two.

In so doing, Papelbon became the first Red Sox reliever since Derek Lowe to record 20 or more saves in consecutive seasons.

Lowe had 20 saves in 1999 and 42 in 2000. Papelbon had 35 saves last season and 20 so far this year. He’s gone more than two months since blowing his last save (May 1).

Not since Dick Radatz (who saved 24 in 1962 and 25 in 1963) has a Red Sox pitcher recorded 20 or more saves in each of his first two full seasons with the Sox.

Around the bases

As a precaution, the Sox sat first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who’s been bothered by a sore quad. Eric Hinske got his third start at first base on the homestand. … Dustin Pedroia got the afternoon off, too, with Alex Cora playing second base. … After David Ortiz gave conflicting accounts on the condition of his legs Tuesday, Francona addressed the subject yesterday. “I think there are times when he’s not incorporating his legs like he should,” said Francona. “But I don’t think that’s an issue with his health. … Francona left open the possibility that he could rest some starters in the weekend series in Detroit. “I don’t want to run guys into the ground (just because they’re getting three days off for the break),” he said. … The Sox improved to 20-6 in day games this season, easily the best such record in the major leagues. … Wakefield (9-8) has earned a decision in each of his 17 starts this season.

smcadam@projo.com