TAMPA — The Rays got a big bat back in their lineup in time for the start of the second half, as they reinstated All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe from the 10-day injured list prior to Friday night’s series opener against the Orioles at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Lowe hasn’t played since exiting the Rays’ series finale against the Twins on July 6 due to tightness in his left oblique. He hoped to avoid an IL stint entirely, but rather than risk a more significant injury, Tampa Bay placed him on the 10-day IL on July 11, retroactive to July 8, hoping for a short stay.
After proving his health during a workout at Steinbrenner Field on Thursday, Lowe was activated on Friday afternoon. The Rays optioned infielder Curtis Mead to Triple-A Durham to make room for his return.
The limited severity of Lowe’s injury was fortunate for him and the Rays, although the timing was not. Going on the IL last weekend left Lowe unable to play in the All-Star Game, the second time in his career an injury has cost him that opportunity, although he and his family traveled to Atlanta and took part in the festivities alongside fellow Rays All-Stars Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda and Drew Rasmussen.
The Rays also limped into the All-Star break without Lowe, going 1-6 in Detroit and Boston while he was sidelined. Their bullpen was responsible for several of those losses, but his absence from the lineup was noticeable, too, as Tampa Bay scored only 18 runs during those seven games.
Lowe earned his second All-Star honor by hitting .272/.324/.487 with 19 homers and 50 RBIs over 84 games in the first half. He ranks second on the team in homers and OPS and third in RBIs.
