BOSTON — Jonathan Papelbon was not available. Nor was Hideki Okajima. And earlier in the day, Mike Timlin was placed on the disabled list because of tendinitis in his right shoulder.

That left the back end of the Sox’ bullpen a tad thin last night.

And the fact that Daisuke Matsuzaka coughed up five runs in the first inning sent a clear message to the available relievers, all of whom have been used sparingly this season because of the starters’ effectiveness and the brilliance of Okajima and Papelbon, that this would be their opportunity to step up, as they say.

They did just that.

Kyle Snyder, Brendan Donnelly and J.C. Romero combined for four shutout innings in the Sox’ 8-7 victory over the Mariners at Fenway Park. For the season, the trio had worked a combined 20 2/3 innings over the first 26 games.

“For the guys who haven’t gotten a lot of work, this was a big night for the bullpen. Snyder did his job, I picked him up and J.C. picked me up,” said Donnelly, who was credited with the win, thanks to Manny Ramirez’s second homer, a solo shot in the eighth, and the three outs Romero racked up for only his third career save in 403 big-league games.

“I’m glad Tito (manager Terry Francona) trusted me to give me a chance,” said Romero.

Romero, a left-hander, faced a left-hander (Raul Ibanez) as his first hitter and got him to hit into a double play, started by first baseman Kevin Youkilis.

Right-handed power hitter Richie Sexson was next, and right-hander Joel Pineiro was ready in the bullpen. But Francona stuck with Romero for two reasons. Sexson was 0-for-6 in his career against Romero, and was only 1-for-19 overall against lefties this year.

Romero nailed down the win on a grounder to third baseman Mike Lowell.

“I loved the challenge,” said Romero. “We knew Papelbon was down tonight so we had to step up.”

Rocky outing for Matsuzaka

Obscured somewhat by the outstanding come-from-behind win, and the emergence of Ramirez’s power was another disappointing outing by Matsuzaka.

The right-hander was strafed for seven runs in five innings, including a five-spot in the opening inning when he had another one of his command meltdowns. His earned-run average zoomed to 5.54 overall, and to 7.58 at home in three starts.

“He fought himself right from the first inning,” said pitching coach John Farrell. “He couldn’t seem to get in the flow of the game and find a rhythm. I can’t see anything glaring with his delivery. It was just a tough night. I know he was not pleased with his outing.”

Farrell was on target with that sentiment.

“Tonight as I came off the mound and thought about how I’ve been pitching and the way I’ve been pitching lately,” said Matsuzaka through his translator, “I definitely know I need to change something.”

Lester gets warm reception

Jon Lester was welcomed back to Fenway Park amid lots of handshakes, hugs and smiles yesterday.

The young left-hander was the feature attraction in the Sox clubhouse as he returned for further tests on his left arm. Lester was removed early in his start in Pawtucket on Wednesday because of cramping in his forearm.

“It seems like a cramp,” Francona said after speaking with Lester. That confirms what Lester said after pitching at McCoy on Wednesday night. Franconca said Lester was going to be examined by Tom Gill, the team doctor, to be certain. Assuming it is merely a cramp, Lester will make only small adjustments in his schedule.

“We’ll maybe back him off a couple days, then get him a side day, then get him back on the mound,” Francona said. Lester reported that he has had similar problems in the past.

“Mostly it happens to him in the first month of the season,” Francona said. “No one is sure why. It could be the way he’s gripping a pitch. Who knows. You don’t know. We’ve all gotten a cramp before. Most of the time you don’t know why you got it.”

The examination went as expected and Lester is fine, Dr. Gill reported. It appears all but certain that Lester will be activated from the disabled list soon and then sent back to Pawtucket to get in more work.

“It’s exciting to talk about baseball stuff with him again,” Francona said.

Hansack gets the call

With Timlin on the 15-day DL, the Sox recalled Devern Hansack from Pawtucket. Hansack had two starts late last season, including a rain-shortened no-hitter (five innings) on the last day of the regular season, after being promoted from Pawtucket. He was 1-3 with a 3.77 ERA in five starts for Pawtucket this year.

Okajima gets a breather

Jeff Yamaguchi was put to work early yesterday in his new job as Hideki Okajima’s personal translator.

While Okajima was upstairs getting in his weight work before last night’s game, Yamaguchi was asked if he knew of Okajima’s situation for the game. The lefty, who has been superb in relief, has pitched in 10 of the last 16 Sox games.

“He was told absolutely not to throw today,” Yamaguchi said yesterday.

Francona confirmed that during his usual pre-game meeting.

“He’s not going to pitch tonight,” Francona said. “I don’t think he was as sharp last night [Wednesday night] as he has been. That’s my fault, not his fault.”

Francona said he told Okajima that he would get a night off even as the team was celebrating Wednesday’s victory.

“I told him. He nodded his head,” Francona said. “I don’t know if he knew what I was saying, but he nodded his head.”

“We don’t want to run him into the ground,” Francona said of giving Okajima the night off.

Around the bases

Wily Mo Pena started for the first time since winning the April 26 game in Baltimore with a grand slam. He went 4-for-4 yesterday, tying a career-high for hits he established while playing for Cincinnati on July 11, 2004, at Milwaukee. Pena had a double and three singles. He now has had hits in his last six plate appearances. … The Mariners’ Kenji Johjima crushed what seemed to be a three-run homer off the bat in the seventh with the game tied at 7-7, but the strong wind knocked it down and Coco Crisp made the catch at the wall near the 379-foot marker. … Crisp recorded nine putouts. … Kevin Youkilis stretched his hitting streak to nine games, matching a career-high.

pkenyon@projo.com