Rays Lose Key Player To Injured List

The Tampa Bay Rays have made their usual run to contending status after a slow start. A 12-6 record in their last 18 games has vaulted them into 2nd place in the AL East, with the 4th best record in the American League. But now they'll be without key lineup piece Brandon Lowe for a while. He's been placed on the 10-day injured list with lower back problems. 

#Rays Lowe is seeing a doctor today to get a sense of what’s wrong and how long he will be out. Parades is on way to St. Pete

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 16, 2022

He's getting an evaluation from a doctor, as reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, which will "determine the exact nature and severity of the injury, as well the expected length of his absence."

Manager Kevin Cash says Lowe has been dealing with the issue since last week, which explains his taking a couple of games off over the last few. 

Lowe follows by just one day Manual Margot to the injured list, and takes two important bats out of the Rays lineup. Lowe is off to a slow start, hitting just .212 with 5 home runs, after a 39 HR campaign last season.

The team has recalled Isaac Paredes from Triple-A Durham to take Lowe’s spot on the roster. Paredes was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in April in the Austin Meadows trade. He's been hitting well in the minors thus far, with 4 HR, 18 RBIs and an .838 OPS.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports