St. Petersburg, Fla. ? Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez was out of the starting lineup for the 22nd straight game Friday night because of a strained left oblique muscle and is not expected to play in this weekend’s series against Tampa Bay.

“I’d say it’s unlikely,” Boston manager Terry Francona said. “That’s probably the best answer. I don’t see it happening.”

Ramirez has been out since getting hurt in an Aug. 28 game with the New York Yankees. He has been taking batting practice, but felt a grabbing sensation when running recently.

“When it grabs, you slow down,” Francona said.