Josh Lowe faces injury setback again with oblique strain
- Josh Lowe left the game on March 28, 2025, after injuring his right oblique in the fifth inning.
- Prior to this incident, he dealt with hip inflammation and a strained oblique last season.
- The Rays placed him on the 10-day injured list, highlighting the ongoing concerns about his injury history.
In Tampa, Florida, on March 28, 2025, Tampa Bay's outfielder Josh Lowe exited the season opener against Colorado after experiencing discomfort in his right oblique during the fifth inning. This injury led to his immediate replacement by José Caballero. The Rays confirmed that Lowe had a strained oblique, an issue that previously sidelined him for extended periods during the prior season. Lowe had struggled with left hip inflammation during spring training and made his season debut on May 6, having missed significant time in 2024 due to a similar oblique injury. In his last season, the 27-year-old Lowe showcased a solid performance, hitting .241 with 10 homers, 34 RBIs, and stealing 25 bases across 106 games. However, his previous experience with right oblique issues carried a notable impact on his playing time, as he missed 46 games last year due to this recurring problem. During Friday's encounter, after grounding out and experiencing discomfort while fouling off a pitch, he managed to hit a single but was visibly in pain running to first base. Subsequent to his injury, the Rays took immediate action by placing Lowe on the 10-day injured list. This decision came with the recall of outfielder Jake Mangum from Triple-A Durham to fill the vacancy in the roster. Tampa Bay appeared optimistic regarding Lowe’s recovery, recalling the necessity for close monitoring to avoid longer-term setbacks. The organization has a clear understanding of how crucial Lowe's contributions are, as he had been listed as a key player given his previous season's performance. The Rays organization has demonstrated a proactive approach to injury management over the years, particularly with players who have a history of recurring injuries. With Lowe's previous issues, this latest injury serves as a reminder of the fragility of player health in professional sports. As the season continues, Tampa Bay will likely focus on ensuring that Lowe receives adequate care and rehabilitation. The team faces the challenge of maintaining a competitive roster while managing injuries effectively, emphasizing the importance of depth in their player lineup.