ATLANTA –– Jason Bay wasn't in the starting lineup Saturday for only the second time this season.

"It's too hot for a Canadian," he said with a smile.

Manager Terry Francona told Bay after Friday's game at Turner Field he was getting the day off.

"I'm in no position to argue with the skipper," said Bay. "It comes at a good time, but it's not something I feel I need."

It's been a luxury for Francona to pencil Bay into the lineup on a daily basis.

"Bay's been out there grinding away, and I think it was a good day to do it," said Francona.

When he was with the Pirates, Bay played all 162 games in 2005.

"Good in theory," he said. "Not really in execution."

He played 159 the following season, 145 in 2007 and 155 in 2008. So far in 2009, Bay has played in 72 of 74 games in his first full season for the Red Sox.

Bay believes the number of games played can sometimes get overlooked. Due to the long and arduous season, it can be easy to find excuses to ask for a day off. A player can be bruised and banged up, or just going through a bit of a slump and would want to sit.

Bay and most of his Red Sox teammates don't approach the game that way.

"I take a ton of pride in that," he said of playing as many games as he can. "It's my personality. It's been called the ‘lunch-pale approach' to the game and I take that as a complement. My dad goes to work 9-to-5 every day since the day [he] graduated high school. He doesn't miss work, so if I can play I'll play."

Bay's father is 51 and works in the warehouse of the world's largest smelter for zinc in Canada

Because Bay, 30, has been such a presence on and off the field for the Red Sox, there's been a lot of talk about his future in the organization. His contract is up at the end of this season and he'll become a free agent.

"It's gotten to a point now where I'm not going to talk about it," said Bay. "I don't mean that in a bad way. Until there's a press conference, or it's the end of the season, it's really a moot point for me."

Red Sox management and ownership don't like to negotiate during the season, and Bay says he understands that. At this point, both sides only care about winning.

"I've gotten to this point without really worrying about it — so far, so good. I'm pleasantly surprised how easy it's been living in the now," said Bay. "I'm having fun with these guys winning games, and that helps on any level. We win ball games, and my contract status is a side note."

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Mike Lowell will return to Boston after Sunday's game in Atlanta to receive the injection that he and the Red Sox hope will ease the stiffness in his surgically repaired hip.

Lowell, who pinch-hit in Saturday's game, will probably be available for pinch-hitting duties on Sunday. He will then go back to Boston while the team travels to Baltimore for a three-game series against the Orioles.

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There's a reason the Red Sox decided to take a chance on Brad Penny.

When healthy he can be dominant, and he's proved that this season for Boston. The right-hander will make his 15th start for the Sox when they close out a three-game series against the Braves Sunday afternoon at Turner Field. Penny enters the game with a 6-2 record and a 4.93 ERA.

Since he's been pitching so well, the rumor mill has been churning that the Sox were going to trade him because of the pitching depth they have in the organization. With Daisuke Matsuzaka on the disabled list for the second time this season, and newcomer John Smoltz just being added to the rotation, Penny's performances have been key.

"We didn't sign him to trade him," said Francona. "We signed him to win. He's worked hard, and I think it's only going to continue to get better. . . He's handled it pretty damn good."

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Julio Lugo got his first start at shortstop since June 14. Francona said he wants to keep Lugo sharp and thought Saturday was a good day to start him.

"When called upon, he's actually swung the bat really well," said Francona. "I want him to be sharp enough to help us win games. [Nick Green's] played well, it's just a good day for Lugo to play."

Lugo went 0-for-4 and was lifted for defense in the bottom of the ninth. The Red Sox 11-13 when Lugo starts at short, compared to 34-12 with Green.

jmcdonal@projo.com