Schilling is out through All-Star break

Curt Schilling is out through at least the All-Star break because of a sore right shoulder, and he still doesn’t know when he can begin throwing again.

The Boston Red Sox on Wednesday changed their already deliberate determination on when the 40-year-old right-hander can resume pitching.

Manager Terry Francona confirmed that Schilling, who is eligible to come off the disabled list July 4, won’t be back until at least after the break, which is July 9-11.

For now, the Red Sox can afford to wait -- they entered Wednesday with a 10-game lead in the American League East.

“We want him to finish the season in good condition,” Francona said. “That’s why we’re trying to be safe. Sometimes it’s tough to be safe.”

Schilling is 6-4 with a 4.20 earned-run average in 15 starts.

Francona said he spoke to Schilling about the latest decision to keep his rehabilitation on hold and that the veteran agreed -- though he wasn’t exactly thrilled.

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Infielder Scott Spiezio of the St. Louis Cardinals was hospitalized because of an infected left index finger, making him unavailable to play Wednesday night against the New York Mets. Spiezio was receiving antibiotics and was to be re-evaluated today. The former Angel is batting .279 with three home runs and 26 runs batted in.

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The Florida Marlins put infielder Aaron Boone, who has a sprained left knee, on the 15-day disabled list. He was taken out of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Twins after injuring his knee during a cutoff play in the fourth inning.

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Mets Manager Willie Randolph will undergo surgery on his right shoulder during the All-Star break, preventing him from serving as a National League coach at the July 10 game at San Francisco’s AT&T; Park.