BOSTON –– Aaron Bates made his major-league debut for the Red Sox Monday night at Fenway Park. The 25-year-old first baseman/outfielder played first and batted ninth.

He was called up from Pawtucket after the Red Sox placed Jeff Bailey on the 15-day disabled list due to a high ankle sprain. To make room on the 40-man roster for Bates, rehabbing shortstop Jed Lowrie was transferred to the 60-day DL.

 “It’s definitely a surprise,” Bates said, “but once you get between the lines you do the best you can just to play baseball, like a little kid playing. The game hasn’t changed. You just try to do the best you can.”

 PawSox manager Ron Johnson called Bates into his hotel room Sunday night in Scranton and told him he was heading to Boston. At the time, Bates did not realize Bailey was injured.

“Originally I was kind of like, ‘For what? What do you mean? What do I have to go for?’ He then explained,” said Bates, who was on a flight to Boston Monday morning.

He called his mother, his girlfriend, his brother and sister. A total of 15 people attended Monday’s game, including his college coach from North Carolina State.

“He’s a good first baseman, he has some pop in the bat and he’s young,” said manager Terry Francona. “We need this roster spot for about a week and rather than go make a move. We all enjoy promoting from within and we’ve had good success doing it. It’s healthy for the organization and hopefully this kid will help us win a couple of games.”

Bailey to DL

Bailey says it’s frustrating because he can’t do what he was brought to Boston to do — that is, replace Mike Lowell, who went on the DL last week.

 Bailey had an MRI Monday morning so the club could get a better idea of the timetable of his possible return. He was injured in a collision at first base on Saturday.

 “He stayed in the game for a while the other night, and I don’t know how he did — he was hurt,” said Francona. “He showed up [Sunday] and was really struggling.”

Lowrie to Portland

 Jed Lowrie’s patience is being tested big time this season.

 The shortstop has dealt with several injuries and a few rainouts during his minor-league rehab assignment and as a result, he hasn’t been able to get into a normal routine.

 When it appeared his wrist injury had improved and he was close to returning to Boston, he was hit by a pitch in the back of his knee, which slowed his progression.

Then, because two consecutive PawSox games had to be postponed because of bad field conditions, Sox management decided to send him to Double-A Portland just so he could play. Lowrie and his girlfriend drove from Scranton to Manchester, N.H., on Sunday and he played at noontime on Monday for the Sea Dogs. He went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI for Portland, which lost, 6-5.

“Jed’s had a couple of interesting days,” said Francona.

Lowrie said that his wrist is feeling good and is looking forward to getting more at-bats.

Lowrie will remain with the Sea Dogs until the PawSox return to McCoy on Thursday. The clock is running out on his 20-day rehab assignment and the club will need to make a decision soon. In Lowrie's absence, Nick Green has played very well at short.

 “I’m not worried about it,” Lowrie said. “I’m going to go up there and do what I can to help that team win. If that means I’m not going to play every day, then so be it. I felt like I played well enough to earn the job out of spring training, and I’m happy for Nick. He’s played well and we’ll just see what happens.”

Ellsbury leads off

Jacoby Ellsbury was back in the leadoff spot for the Sox Monday night after spending the last few weeks lower in the batting order.

 Francona said should expect to see a different lineups leading up to next week’s All-Star break.

The consistency the club is looking, and has been patiently waiting for, won’t be in place until after the break.

“We’re not as healthy as we’ve ever been,” said Francona. “That’s OK. That doesn’t mean we can’t win. You may see a few different lineups the next six or seven days until we get Mike Lowell back and get everybody healthy.”

jmcdonal@projo.com