Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez, the leading vote-getter in the fan balloting for the All-Star Game, officially pulled out of the festivities today because of a sore right knee and was replaced by Detroit outfielder Magglio Ordonez.

“Major League Baseball was informed today that outfielder Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox will not attend this year's All-Star festivities,” MLB announced in a press release.

The Red Sox had asked the commissioner's office to allow Ramirez to spend the three-day break resting instead of going to Pittsburgh, though it seems there was some confusion somewhere along the line in the relaying of that message.

As of yesterday, there was no official word out of MLB's offices on Ramirez's anticipated withdrawal, despite Sox manager Terry Francona having talked about it since June 29.

``I think I said the next announcement will come from MLB," Francona said yesterday, reiterating the position he took Wednesday. ``That's what I was told to say. That's where I'm at. I actually wish I could tell you [more]."

Commissioner Bud Selig earlier this week said the Sox hadn't officially contacted him regarding Ramirez's withdrawal.

``Nobody has officially called or talked to anybody," Selig said. ``The clubs know how I feel. This is a game that's very important to the sport. Fans have done a lot of voting. There's been a lot of effort, so I expect everybody to be as sensitive as they can to everybody. This is a time to do the right thing. It's a big honor, and I expect everybody who can be there to be there."

Ramirez, selected to his 10th All-Star team, twice previously has declined invitations (2000, 2003), both times citing a sore left hamstring.

``I haven't heard it directly from anyone on the Red Sox," Selig said, when asked about Boston's request to pull Ramirez out of the game. ``I only know what I've read. All I can tell you is that I'm old-fashioned. I would hope that everybody who's voted in and selected comes and that's the way it's supposed to be. I assume unless a player can't physically play he'll be there. I'll talk to everybody if I have to. One thing I'm not is shy."

In the National League, Astros ace Roy Oswalt will replace injured Pedro Martinez on the All-Star team.

Martinez (7-4) missed his start Monday and was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a sore right hip.

Information from the Associated Press and from the Globe's Red Sox notebooks from the last two days was used in this report.