ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays made several roster changes before Monday’s series opener against the Red Sox at Tropicana Field, reinstating second baseman Brandon Lowe from the 10-day injured list but losing Opening Day starter Zach Eflin to a new injury.
Lowe, who had been on the IL since April 9 due to a right oblique strain, returned to the lineup. Meanwhile, Eflin was placed on the 15-day IL (retroactive to Sunday) due to lower back inflammation. Additionally, Tampa Bay optioned right-hander Manuel Rodríguez to Triple-A Durham and added reliever Richard Lovelady, a lefty acquired from the Cubs on Saturday, to the active roster.
Lowe played only eight games at the start of the season, going 5-for-27 with a home run and four RBIs before being sidelined by a Grade 1 oblique strain. Preparing for a possible pinch-hit appearance on April 9, he felt a flare-up in his oblique. Lowe began a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on May 7, hitting two home runs in four games. After some precautionary removal and a brief setback, he resumed his rehab over the weekend and rejoined the Rays.
Lowe returned just as Tampa Bay seemed to be nearing full strength, with starter Ryan Pepiot (lower left leg contusion) likely to rejoin the rotation on Wednesday. However, Eflin’s placement on the IL was a setback. Eflin last pitched on Saturday, giving up four runs on nine hits over six innings in a 5-4 win over the Blue Jays. The 30-year-old right-hander, who missed about two weeks last April due to low back tightness, is 3-4 with a 4.12 ERA in 59 innings over 10 starts this season.
With Eflin sidelined, the Rays will avoid bumping someone else out of the rotation for Pepiot’s return. Additionally, Lovelady’s addition to the bullpen provides a second lefty behind Garrett Cleavinger, after sending Minor League lefty Jeff Belge to the Cubs. Lovelady, who has played for the Royals, A’s, and Cubs, has held left-handed hitters to a .235 average and .671 OPS during his five years in the Majors.
