ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Hanley Ramirez “was trying to hit a grand salami’’ when he took a big swing at a high fastball in the sixth inning Wednesday. He missed, but that was the least of his problems.

Ramirez strained muscles on his right side and came out of the game in the eighth inning.

“Wanted him to get off the field, precautionary,’’ manager John Farrell said after the 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Ramirez said he would play Friday against the Angels. But such injuries can linger. He acknowledged that he got tighter over time.

“I was a little bit scared to swing,’’ said Ramirez. “I was like, I don’t want to take any risks. I talked to John, and we’re just trying to prevent something big. He told me that we’re not going to put your season on the line.’’

Ramirez is hitting .273 with a .754 OPS, low by his standards.

But he is 10 of his last 29 with three home runs and six RBIs. One of his outs Wednesday was a blast to center field that was caught at the wall.

“I’ve been seeing the ball better,’’ Ramirez said. “I’ve been waiting for that moment. I kept working and finally it came.’’

Ramirez’s loss, even for a short time, would be significant. The Sox do not have a backup first baseman beyond moving third baseman Travis Shaw there, but that leaves a hole at third.

Starter needed

The Red Sox will insert a starter into their rotation against the Angels Sunday. Who that is hasn’t been determined.

Triple A righthander Aaron Wilkerson last pitched Monday and would be available. He is 6-2 with a 2.00 earned run average in 16 games this season, the last eight for Triple A Pawtucket.

Lefthander Henry Owens, who pitched Sunday, also would be available. But he has allowed eight earned runs over 15 innings in his last three starts and walked 14.

By using a fifth starter Sunday, the Red Sox can get extra days of rest for Rick Porcello and David Price before their next starts.

“We still want to make sure that we take advantage of the off day for the guys in the rotation,’’ Farrell said. “I think guys need the additional day at this point in the year. We’ll plug someone in for Sunday.’’

Young isn’t close

Left fielder Chris Young, who strained his right hamstring last week, was sent back to Boston for an MRI Monday. The exam showed a more significant injury than what was initially diagnosed.

“What that means in terms of duration for the DL at this point is still unknown,’’ Farrell said.

Young will not return before the All-Star break, and given the nature of hamstring injuries, it’s unlikely he returns before August.

Brock Holt and Ryan Hanigan started for Pawtucket at Rochester Wednesday, the latest game on their rehabilitation assignments. Both will be evaluated at Fenway Park Thursday.

Holt was 0 for 3. He has played eight games for Pawtucket, going 8 for 25. Holt could be activated off the disabled list Friday. He has been out since May 19 with a concussion.

“We’re hopeful that Brock for sure would be rejoining us,’’ Farrell said. “That’s not a given as we stand here now.’’

Hanigan, out with a strained neck, could need a few extra days or return over the weekend. He caught five innings Wednesday and was 1 for 2 with a walk. Hanigan is 4 of 18 in six rehab games.

Tamped down

David Price is 1-3 with a 6.52 ERA in five career starts against Tampa Bay, his original team. In two starts this season, he has allowed 12 runs on 17 hits over 10 innings. Price is 0-3 in three starts at Tropicana Field since being traded in 2014, that despite a 3.98 ERA. He has received one run of support . . . The Sox are 2-4 against the last-place Rays this season . . . Christian Vazquez snapped an 0-for-12 skid with a single in the sixth inning. That broke up Matt Moore’s no-hit bid . . . David Ortiz has reached base safely in 20 consecutive games. His .431 OBP leads the American League.

Blank slate

The Red Sox have gone 17 consecutive games without scoring in the first inning. They have not scored in the first inning since June 11 against the Twins at Target Field. The last time the Sox scored in the first inning at home was on June 3. Despite the drought, the Red Sox lead the American League with 60 runs in the first inning . . . Wednesday was the third time this season the Sox have been shut out, the first time since April 19 . . . Pawtucket first baseman Chris Marrero and righthander Sean O’Sullivan were selected to the International League All-Star team. The IL will face the Pacific Coast League on July 13 in Charlotte. Through Tuesday, Marrero led the PawSox with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs. O’Sullivan is 6-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts.

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