TORONTO — Red Sox manager Terry Francona was vague when asked the whereabouts of shortstop Julio Lugo, who was not with the club during a mandatory workout for non-All-Stars on Thursday night at the Rogers Centre.

Supposedly, Lugo didn't realize it was mandatory and sent Francona a text message explaining why he wasn't with the team. The two hadn't spoken before the players took the field for BP, grounders and bullpen sessions Thursday night.

Lugo missed a game on the club's last home stand because of to a family matter, but this absence was not related to that. A call to Lugo's agent was not returned.

The Red Sox will have to make two roster moves to activate Mike Lowell and Clay Buchholz in time for Friday's game. (Buchholz will then be sent down when Jed Lowrie is activated Saturday.) It's thought that general manager Theo Epstein has been working the phones, trying to find a team to make a possible deal for Lugo.

If there are no takers, it's very possible the Sox could release Lugo, at which point they would have to take on most of his salary if another club picked him up.

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Lugo was the only player not with the team, which arrived here about 6 p.m. and went immediately to the Rogers Centre for a workout. Jonathan Papelbon was the only Red Sox All-Star who traveled on the team charter from Boston, but players were given permission to get here on their own and the other Sox All-Stars — Josh Beckett, Tim Wakefield, Jason Bay and Kevin Youkilis — all arrived on time.

In something of a surprise, also with the team was rookie first baseman Aaron Bates. He is expected to be one of the two players sent back to Pawtucket when Lowell and Buchholz are activated.

After Thursday's workout, Francona spoke with Epstein about when to make specific moves.

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Dustin Pedroia was also with the team after missing the All-Star game to stay home with his pregnant wife, Kelli.

She's about six weeks from her due date and went into premature labor last week. Pedroia decided it was best to stay with his family during the All-Star break with the blessing from family and Red Sox management.

"They got Kelli stabilized and slowed her [pregnancy] down," Francona said. "He may have to leave at some point, and if he does, it's with our blessing. I think he's comfortable being here. The minute he's not comfortable being here, he'll be gone. That's how we feel about it. He understands, and she understands. I've talked to her, so we'll be OK."

Kotsay says calf better

Mark Kotsay said the break helped his ailing right calf.

The Red Sox first baseman/outfielder has been hampered by it for the last few weeks, but was able to play through it, especially with Lowell on the disabled list. Francona said the four days off were huge for Kotsay.

When asked how he was feeling, Kotsay said, "Good."

jmcdonal@projo.com