Manager Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays
Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays second baseman, missed his third consecutive game on Tuesday. Kevin Cash has finally explained why, following a poor injury update.
Lowe strained his right oblique while warming up for a pinch bat, Cash confirmed. The infielder is receiving an MRI, but Tampa Bay’s manager did not appear enthusiastic about his speedy return, according to independent journalist Kyle Glaser.
“I think it’s fair to assume he’s gonna miss some time,” Cash said.
Lowe had already hurt his left oblique early in the season. Now facing a similar fate, Tampa Bay must wait for Lowe’s test results to determine how much time he will miss.
Lowe is hitting.185 in the first eight games of the 2024 season, with a home run and four RBIs. He has a devastating 7:2 K/BB ratio. However, it is possible that the infielder is simply off to a slow start. Over his seven-year career with the franchise, the former All-Star had a.244 batting average, 106 home runs, 309 RBI, and 25 stolen bases.
For the time being, the Rays are focused on making sure Lowe recovers from his oblique injury and returns to the lineup in a healthy manner. Once he is up to speed – assuming his oblique injury is season-ending – Tampa Bay will hope on Lowe to find his stroke and contribute significantly offensively.
Where Rays Turn Without Lowe.
Regardless of when he returns, the fact that Lowe will “miss some time” requires Tampa Bay to have backup options on hand. Curtis Mead replaced Lowe in the lineup on Tuesday.
Mead has already appeared in eight games this season. He is hitting.292 with no extra-base hits. The infielder made his major league debut in 2023, appearing in 24 games. He batted.253 with a home run and five RBIs.
While his numbers aren’t particularly impressive, MLB Pipeline ranks Mead as Tampa Bay’s No. 2 overall prospect in 2023. In 291 minor league appearances, he hit.302 with 41 home runs, 187 RBI, and 26 stolen bases. At only 23 years old, the Rays appear willing to give Mead a chance to establish himself, especially if Lowe is forced out of the lineup.
Tampa Bay also possesses veteran Amed Rosario, who can fill a variety of roles on the roster. Already in 2024, he has played right field, shortstop, and second base. So far in 2024, he’s hitting.250 with three RBI and one stolen base. The Rays will continue to use him in a variety of ways, including giving him more time at second if necessary.
Finally, Tampa hopes that Brandon Lowe will not be forced to miss too much time. However, with this being his second oblique injury of the 2024 season, the Rays will be careful. The team will continue its series against the Angels as they await the findings of Lowe’s MRI.
