Brandon Lowe Injury Update: What Happened to Brandon Lowe?
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Jun 06, 2023
Brandon Lowe Injury Update
Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe has faced numerous challenges this season, including health issues and struggles at the plate even when he has been able to play. Unfortunately, Lowe has found himself back on the injured list (IL) due to lower back inflammation, with the move being retroactive to June 4.
Although being placed on the 10-day IL may not be the best news, the initial reports suggest that Lowe's injury is not expected to be severe. There is hope that the former All-Star will only need to spend the minimum amount of time on the IL, but the exact duration of his absence is still uncertain.
To address the gap created by Lowe's absence, the Tampa Bay Rays have called up utilityman Vidal Brujan from Triple-A Durham. However, Brujan's promotion is primarily a depth move, as players like Isaac Paredes and Taylor Walls are expected to cover second base in Lowe's absence.
While the early reports are somewhat reassuring about the severity of Lowe's injury, there is cause for concern. Last season, on May 16, 2022, Lowe was placed on the 10-day IL due to lower back issues, which ultimately led to his transfer to the 60-day IL on July 5, 2022. This history of back injuries raises some uncertainty about his recovery and future availability.
In summary, Brandon Lowe's ongoing struggles with health and performance have resulted in his recent placement on the 10-day IL due to lower back inflammation. The initial assessments indicate that the injury is not expected to be significant, but the extent of his absence remains uncertain.
The Tampa Bay Rays have called up Vidal Brujan to provide additional depth during Lowe's absence, while other players are expected to handle second-base duties. Given Lowe's previous back injury, there is some concern about the potential impact on his recovery and future availability.
What Happened to Brandon Lowe?
The Tampa Bay Rays have not provided a specific timeline for Brandon Lowe's rehabilitation yet. It is expected that he will undergo a series of tests in Tampa within the next few days to assess the extent of his injury. The diagnosis is concerning, particularly in light of Lowe's recent injury history.
During the 2021 season, the 28-year-old showcased immense potential, hitting 39 home runs, driving in 99 runs, and maintaining a 140 OPS+. However, he struggled with back pain, which resulted in multiple trips to the injured list and limited him to just 65 games. The back issues severely impacted his power at the plate.
Both Lowe and the Rays were optimistic about his recovery and expected him to bounce back in the 2023 season. Unfortunately, he got off to a slow start, hitting only .199 with nine home runs in his first 50 games.
The importance of a healthy back in baseball cannot be understated, as it directly affects a player's swing and overall performance. Lowe's previous experience with back problems serves as a reminder of how debilitating they can be. Given the circumstances, the Rays are likely to exercise caution and prioritize Lowe's full recovery before his return to the field. This cautious approach suggests that his absence may extend beyond just a couple of weeks.
In summary, the Tampa Bay Rays have not provided a specific timetable for Brandon Lowe's rehabilitation. Given his previous back injury and slow start to the season, the team is likely to be cautious and ensure he is fully recovered before his return.
The extent of his absence may be longer than initially anticipated. The importance of a healthy back in baseball cannot be underestimated, and Lowe's previous struggles with back pain highlight the potential impact on his performance.
Who is Brandon Lowe?
Did you know that Brandon Norman Lowe, born on July 6, 1994, is an American professional baseball second baseman who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB)? Lowe's journey to the big leagues is quite interesting.
During his high school days at Nansemond River High School in Suffolk, Virginia, Lowe made quite an impact on the baseball team. He led his team to a district championship in his junior year and a district title in his senior year. Not only that, but he also received several accolades, including being named first-team all-state, first-team all-region, and first-team all-district.
After high school, Lowe committed to playing college baseball for the University of Maryland, College Park. However, just two days before his freshman year's first game, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. This unfortunate injury resulted in Lowe being redshirted and missing the entire season.
Lowe made his comeback in his redshirt freshman season and made quite an impression. He was named third-team all-ACC after leading the Maryland Terrapins in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. His performance on the field showed his potential and set the stage for his future success.
In his sophomore season, Lowe continued to shine. He led the Terrapins in various categories, including hits, walks, runs, and doubles, while also finishing second in runs batted in. During the summer of 2014, Lowe's skills were further recognized as he played for the Bethesda Big Train and was named the Most Valuable Player of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League.
However, just two days before the 2015 Major League Baseball draft, Lowe faced another setback. He suffered a broken fibula while playing in the NCAA super regional against the Virginia Cavaliers.
Despite these obstacles, Lowe's talent and determination could not be denied. He eventually made his way to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he has become an integral part of their team as a second baseman.
Lowe's journey from high school success to college challenges and overcoming injuries showcases his resilience and passion for the game. It's fascinating to see how his path has led him to the Major Leagues, where he continues to make his mark.
Brandon Lowe Injury Status
Despite facing injuries to key players, the Tampa Bay Rays have had an impressive start to the season with a league-leading record of 42-19. However, they now face the challenge of continuing their success without their starting second baseman, Brandon Lowe.
Lowe was held out of a recent game against the Boston Red Sox due to back issues and was subsequently placed on the injured list (IL) on Monday. The official diagnosis for Lowe is inflammation, but there is no specific timeline for his return.
This news is particularly concerning considering Lowe's injury history. In the 2021 season, he showed great promise by hitting 39 home runs, driving in 99 runs, and achieving a 140 OPS+. However, he was limited to just 65 games last season due to multiple trips to the injured list caused by back pain.
The back issues severely impacted his power at the plate. Despite high hopes for a healthy and strong return in 2023, Lowe had a slow start this year, with a batting average of .199 and nine home runs in his first 50 games.
To fill the void left by Lowe's absence, the Tampa Bay Rays have called up Vidal Brujan from Triple-A Durham. Brujan, a former top prospect known for his impressive stealing ability in the minors, has yet to showcase consistent hitting in the Major Leagues.
He brings a lifetime slash line of .161/.215/.233, with three home runs and a 6-for-12 stolen base rate. Although his performance in Triple-A this year with a .768 OPS has not been outstanding, the Rays are hoping he can contribute as a utility player.
In summary, the Tampa Bay Rays have excelled this season despite facing injuries to key players. Brandon Lowe, their starting second baseman, has been placed on the injured list due to back inflammation. The severity of Lowe's injury remains uncertain, but considering his past back issues, there is cause for concern.
Vidal Brujan has been called up to replace Lowe on the roster, although he has yet to prove his hitting ability at the Major League level. The Rays will rely on their depth and hope for a swift recovery for Lowe as they aim to maintain their strong start to the season.
Brandon Lowe Injury Update-FAQs
Brandon Lowe is currently on the injured list (IL) due to lower back inflammation
Initial reports suggest that Lowe's injury is not expected to be major or severe. However, the exact severity and timeline for his recovery are still uncertain.
Yes, Lowe missed time last season due to back pain. He played just 65 games in 2022 and had multiple trips to the injured list because of his back issues.
Lowe had a slow start to the 2023 season, hitting .199 with nine home runs in his first 50 games.
The Rays have called up utilityman Vidal Brujan from Triple-A Durham to fill in for Brandon Lowe during his absence.