Rays Place Infielder On IL For 3rd Time This Year

Lower back issues have once again robbed the Tampa Bay Rays of their starting second baseman Brandon Lowe. The timing of his 3rd IL stint of the year couldn't be worse, as they come down the stretch jockeying for position in the Wild Card race.

#Rays Cash said issue with Lowe’s back is in same area as one earlier this season (that sidelined him for 2 months) but they don’t know if same injury or how long he’ll be out. Sent him back to Florida to see doctor

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 14, 2022

As noted by Rays beat writer Marc Topkin, the same lower back issue caused Lowe to miss two months earlier in the season. He's also missed some time with a calf contusion, and just recently, with an elbow issue. He'd gone 0-for-15 since returning on Sept. 7 from that problem. 

Lowe's numbers have suffered dramatically this season, due in part to the injuries. Following up on a 39 HR season last year, Lowe has managed just 8 long balls this time around, in his 65 games played. His average and OPS have also dipped considerably; he's batting .221, down 25 points from his career average, while his OPS sits at a career-low .691, nearly 150 points off his lifetime mark. 

The Rays will go back to filling second base in Lowe's absence with the likes of Isaac Paredes, Jonathan Aranda and Taylor Walls. In fact, that combination has actually started far more games at 2B than Lowe has this season, thanks to his plentiful time on the IL.

Catcher Rene Pinto has been recalled to take Lowe's spot on the roster.  

Photos: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports