Tampa Bay Rays Place Outfielder Josh Lowe on 10-Day Injured List Due to Oblique Strain
The Tampa Bay Rays announced Saturday afternoon that they have placed outfielder Josh Lowe on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 23, due to a right oblique strain. The injury adds to an already challenging season for Lowe, who has faced multiple setbacks since spring training.
Lowe, 26, last appeared in a game on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox but exited in the second inning due to side tightness. An MRI conducted on Thursday confirmed the oblique strain. Lowe subsequently missed the Rays’ game on Friday and will be ineligible to return until June 2.
In a corresponding roster move, the Rays have reinstated right-handed pitcher Chris Devenski from the 15-day injured list. Devenski had been sidelined since April 29 with right knee tendinitis and is expected to bolster the team’s bullpen upon his return.
Lowe’s injury is the latest in a series of health issues that have hindered his 2024 season. His troubles began in late February when he was shut down due to left hip inflammation. Initially expected to be ready for Opening Day, Lowe suffered an oblique injury on March 17, delaying his season debut until May 6. His comeback was short-lived as he played only a handful of minor league games in mid-April before experiencing a hamstring setback, necessitating another pause in his rehab assignment. Following a clean bill of health from an MRI, Lowe resumed play and made his season debut, only to be sidelined again after appearing in 14 games.
In those 14 games, Lowe has posted a .240 batting average, with two home runs, three RBIs, a .736 OPS, and a -0.1 WAR. These numbers are a far cry from his breakout performance in 2023, where he batted .292 with 20 home runs, 83 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, an .825 OPS, and a 3.7 WAR across 135 appearances. His impressive 2023 season established Lowe as a key player for the Rays, highlighting the impact of his absence on the team this year.
Despite the revolving door of injuries, the Rays remain hopeful that Lowe can return to form later this season. “Josh has been working extremely hard to get back on the field,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “It’s unfortunate that he’s had these setbacks, but we know he’ll continue to put in the work to come back strong.”
Meanwhile, Chris Devenski’s return is a welcome boost for the Rays’ pitching staff. Devenski, a seasoned veteran, brings experience and stability to the bullpen. “Getting Chris back is significant for us,” Cash commented. “He’s been a reliable arm, and we look forward to what he can contribute moving forward.”
The Rays, currently in a tight race in the American League East, will need to rely on their depth to navigate through Lowe’s absence. The team remains optimistic that with continued resilience and strategic adjustments, they can maintain their competitive edge.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Rays handle these challenges and how quickly Lowe can recover and rejoin his team on the field.
