BOSTON — Over the last couple of days, whenever someone told Hideki Okajima that they had voted for him, he bowed to them.

Last night, the rookie reliever bowed to all of Fenway Park — numerous times — to thank them for getting him onto the American League All-Star team.

Thanks to 4.4 million online and text messaging votes, the 31-year-old lefty became the 32nd member of the A.L. team in Tuesday’s All-star Game, beating out Detroit’s Jeremy Bonderman, Minnesota’s Pat Neshek, Kelvim Escobar of the Angels and the Blue Jays’ Roy Halladay.

When Okajima was acquired during the offseason after a 12-year career in his native Japan, there was little known about him, and he arrived in Boston with decidedly less fanfare than fellow countryman Daisuke Matsuzaka, the prize acquisition of the winter.

But Okajima has been a revelation, and he and closer Jonathan Papelbon have come to mean six outs and a sure win for Boston. In 38 appearances, Okajima has allowed just four earned runs — he gave up a solo home run in his first-ever appearance on April 2 and didn’t allow another over his next 20 outings — for an ERA of 0.88.

“You look at the numbers and it should be a no-brainer,” fellow All-Star Josh Beckett said. “It’s well-deserved.”

When the big board at Fenway announced that Okajima had won the vote, he received a standing ovation from the crowd. With a broad smile on his face, Okajima brought his palms together and bowed to every corner of the park.

“I thought that was a great moment. I was very excited and proud all the way around,” said manager Terry Francona. “The way our fans responded was great. He was genuinely thankful.”

Okajima is the ninth Sox rookie to make the All-Star Team, joining such luminaries as Walt Dropo, Carlton Fisk, Fred Lynn and Papelbon (last year).

Five other Red Sox will play in San Francisco on Tuesday — Papelbon, Beckett, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and Mike Lowell.

Padres pitcher Chris Young won the N.L. final vote.

Roster changes

Rookie Jacoby Ellsbury, impressive as he was in Boston, was returned to Triple-A Pawtucket after last night’s game.

In his place, the Red Sox are expected to announce today that they will call up DH/first baseman Jeff Bailey.

The quad injury that is continuing to nag at Kevin Youkilis likely is the reason for the move. Bailey’s promotion will give Youkilis an opportunity to rest over the weekend. The Sox will have to make a procedural move to open a spot on the 40-man roster for Bailey.

While Francona liked what he saw from Ellsbury, he cautioned, “He’s not on his way to Cooperstown — yet. His future is very bright, but he’s not a finished product yet. He’s not supposed to be.”

Before the game, Francona said, “I’d be very surprised if you see Ellsbury be a part-time player in Boston at this juncture of his career.”

With the PawSox, he’ll return to full-time duty.

Youkilis was out of the lineup last night for the third time in the last four games. Eric Hinske is expected to get most of the playing time at first, but Bailey gives the team insurance at the position.

Around the bases

The Red Sox signed top draft pick Nick Hagadone yesterday, as well as eight amateur international free agents, including three from the Dominican Republic. Hagadone, a left-handed relief pitcher who was taken 55th overall out of the University of Washington, was assigned to Class-A Lowell. All will begin play in the Sox farm system except outfielder Che-Hsuan, an 18-year old from Chinese Taipei. He is assigned to the Rookie League Gulf Coast Red Sox. … Injured reliever Brendan Donnelly will play long toss today and then is slated for a bullpen session. Joel Piniero, meanwhile, is a bit further along in his recovery and will make a rehab appearance with Lowell next Wednesday.

smanza@projo.com