The Tampa Bay Rays were dealt a tough blow on Thursday, as manager Kevin Cash confirmed that infielder Brandon Lowe will be shut down for the remainder of the season.
Out since the beginning of July with a right shin bone bruise, Lowe had been slowly tracking towards a return to the big league roster. He, however, suffered a strained quadriceps in his second rehab game with the Durham Bulls while trying to beat out an infield grounder.
The injury marked the end of what had been a promising rookie campaign for Lowe.
The whole season, from basically July, has become a disappointment. He did everything we could ask in the first half for us. Unfortunately, the shin injury comes out, and now this as he’s getting closer. Just not ideal, but we are equipped with some guys that certainly can come in and continue to fill that void. We’ve been doing it.
… But we’re going to miss him.
— Kevin Cash
Lowe will join fellow infielder Yandy Diaz on the shelf for the balance of the season. Both had been two of the more productive hitters on the Rays roster. While there should be a few alternatives on hand to take their place, the loss of Lowe and Diaz is disappointing since Tampa Bay will miss out on a jolt of energy over the final five weeks of action.