Tampa Bay Rays' Impact Player To Be Out "More Than A Month"

Originally diagnosed as simply a "lower back problem", Tampa Bay Rays' impact contributor Brandon Lowe's diagnosis took a turn for the worse on Tuesday, as he's now said to have a "stress reaction" in his back. He'll be shut down from all baseball activities for three weeks, and be out of the lineup for at least a month. 

Via @RaysBaseball Communications

After undergoing testing, INF Brandon Lowe has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his low back. He will be held out of baseball activity for three weeks. After three weeks, he will be re-evaluated (cont)

— 95.3 WDAE & AM 620 (@953WDAE) May 17, 2022

Tampa Bay beat writer Marc Topkin says that according to doctors, "The ailment in his lower back can be a precursor to a small fracture, so three weeks of rest are recommended."

After the three-week rest period he'll be re-evaluated, and a plan for possible return will be discussed. But as Topkin posited, a late-June return would be a best-case scenario.

“Obviously (I’m) frustrated and disappointed,” Lowe said. “I never want to be on the (injured list) but there is a little bit of relief to know what’s been bothering me, why it’s been hurting.’ So a little bit, I guess you’d say kind of bittersweet-ish.”

Rays manager Kevin Cash says it's a brutal hit to the team. “He’s a big part of our club, offense, defense... We’re just going to have to make do without him.”

As is usually the case, the Rays have a number of versatile players who can take over the 2B duties, including Taylor Walls and recent call-up Vidal Brujan. 

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports