Rather than risk Buchholz further injuring his strained lower left hamstring, the club will call up a pitcher for the second game of their series against the Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Buchholz will be disabled retroactive to June 27, making him eligible to return July 15, the first day after the All-Star break. The 18-day rest will serve two purposes: ensuring his leg is sound and giving him a break from what has been a heavy workload on his right arm.

“Since we’ve waited this long, if we DL him, we can bring him back right after the break,’’ manager Terry Francona said. “That’s not etched in stone, but it seems like it makes common sense.’’

Buchholz was called into Francona’s office at 10:29 a.m. yesterday and informed of the plan.

“I don’t feel anything jogging or throwing. It’s been going from a jog to a sprint and there’s still a little tightness,’’ the newly-named All-Star righthander said. “We’re still throwing on flat ground every day to get a little bit more time.’’

Buchholz does not feel any discomfort while pitching. The concern is whether he might aggravate the strain trying to field a bunt or cover first base.

“If he worsens that hamstring, we’re going to be all kicking ourselves,’’ Francona said. “What worries us are the unexpected movements you could have in a game.’’

Beyond that, Buchholz has already thrown 92 innings, as many as he threw in the majors all of last season. Counting the minor leagues, he has not thrown more than 191 innings in a season.

“Might as well take something when something happens and make a positive out of it,’’ Francona said.

“Coming out of the break, somebody has to pitch. So try to balance all of that and if a guy’s got a nagging injury, let’s use it to our advantage just to even out the workload.’’

Pawtucket lefthander Felix Doubront is likely to start against Tampa Bay tomorrow. His last start came last Wednesday.

The 22-year-old faced the Dodgers June 18, giving up three earned runs in five innings. He walked two, struck out two, and allowed six hits while impressing the Sox with his poise.

“Do I want to be an All-Star? Of course,’’ he said. “That would be stupid not to want to be there. But you can’t cry over spilled milk, man. I’ve been lucky enough to go to four of them already.’’

Papelbon has pitched in three All-Star Games, allowing one run on two hits and striking out five over three innings.

“It’s fun being there. But this isn’t going to hurt my confidence for the second half of the season,’’ he said. “And I can probably use the rest.’’

Papelbon was pleased to see fellow Sox pitchers Buchholz and Jon Lester make the team for the first time.

“Every player comes into their All-Star form at a different time. I’ve kind of been waiting for this to happen for them,’’ Papelbon said. “They deserve it.’’

Tynan fled New York and moved to Boston over the winter after being accused of making an anti-Semitic remark he insisted was misinterpreted. He was banned from singing at Yankee Stadium as a result.

Tynan was a favorite of former New York City mayor (and Yankees fan) Rudy Giuliani and was considered a bit of a good luck charm during the postseason.

The Boston fans gave Tynan’s robust version of the song a loud ovation.

Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @peteabe.