PAWTUCKET — There was no official word from the Red Sox Friday night on the status of Jed Lowrie, but the shortstop was packed and gone from McCoy Stadium.

Lowrie was clearly headed to Toronto, where he will join the Red Sox for Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays. Lowrie’s place on the Pawtucket roster will be taken by outfielder Aaron Bates, who was traveling here Friday afternoon.

With Lowrie off the roster, the PawSox no longer have a Red Sox player rehabbing an injury. That’s been a rarity this season. So far, Pawtucket fans have seen seven Red Sox players perform at McCoy. They include Julio Lugo, Mark Kotsay, Rocco Baldelli, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Kevin Youkilis, John Smoltz and Lowrie.

The rehabs are certainly good for the gate. Pawtucket drew more than 10,000 fans in the two games when Smoltz made a start. Those are the two largest crowds of the season outside of the annual July 3 fireworks show that drew a season-high 10,924.

The PawSox players have enjoyed the frequent visits from the major leaguers. For one, the players usually pay for an extra-special post-game buffet. “We’ve eaten really well,” said manager Ron Johnson.

With the exception of Smoltz, Chris Carter knows all of the Red Sox’ players well. He said that while the visits “do shuffle things up and make someone sit who normally plays every day,” everyone enjoys the bond Boston and Pawtucket share.

“Not one guy hasn’t been fun to be around. It definitely lightens the mood,” Carter said.

Hang in there, lefty

Kris Johnson fell to 3-10 after taking the loss in Thursday night’s 9-5 defeat, but Johnson is not losing hope in the 24-year-old lefty.

“He’s going to pitch in the big leagues, no doubt in my mind,” said Ron Johnson. “He’s going to be better because of this.”

Johnson pointed out that Kris Johnson is clearly adjusting to his first Triple-A season, and the 6-foot-4 former Wichita State star is dealing with some rocky times.

“When it all comes together for Kris Johnson, he’s going to be a good pitcher. I really believe that,” he said.

Browns welcome Jude

Catcher Dusty Brown and his wife Jordan welcomed their first son, Jude, Friday afternoon. Brown left Thursday night’s game to be with his wife at a Boston hospital, but is expected back in Pawtucket in time for Saturday’s game.

Johnson said he urged Brown to leave and experience the birth of his first child. Johnson said Brown was present for all four of his children’s births.

kmcnamar@projo.com