Rays’ Josh Lowe frustrated as he awaits MRI results
ST. PETERSBURG — Rays outfielder Josh Lowe felt something wasn’t right when he fouled off a ball on his first swing of Wednesday’s game against the Red Sox, and more so when he swung and missed on the next pitch.
He knew shortly afterward that something was wrong, potentially a recurrence of the right oblique strain that forced him to miss the first 5½ weeks of the season.
As Lowe jogged out to play defense in the second inning and did a few warmup throws, he felt tightness in his right side. Enough that he was hoping he “didn’t have to really make a strenuous play there in that inning.”
The issue, which manager Kevin Cash called “a right side strain,” is a major concern, as it is similar to the previous injury. Lowe is headed for an MRI exam Thursday to get a read on the situation and how long he will be out this time.
Lowe said he is hopeful, as the spring injury felt more like “a grab,” compared to Wednesday’s being in “more of a finite spot” and not getting worse as the night went on.
“It’s the same area that I hurt before, so I don’t know,” he said. “We’ll see what the MRI says. It’s just frustrating.”
Added Cash, “Not ideal.”
In 14 games since returning, Lowe hit .240 (12-for-50) with two homers and three RBIs. The Rays had been pleased to have their full complement of left-handed hitters in the lineup with Lowe, Jonathan Aranda and Brandon Lowe all coming off the injured list this month.
Ramirez heads out again
The Rays and Erasmo Ramirez can’t seem to quit each other. Twice previously they parted ways — in 2017 and 2023 — and ended up back together.
The Rays dropped Ramirez again Wednesday, designating the 34-year-old right-hander for assignment to open space on the 26-man active roster for starter Ryan Pepiot to be reinstated from the injured list.
Cash was quick to say that if Ramirez doesn’t get claimed by another team, the Rays likely would be interested in another reunion.
“He does whatever he’s asked, is versatile, takes the ball. He’s ready to pitch all the time,” Cash said. “I think I say this to most of the guys in that situation — (if) he gets on a big-league roster, that’s probably the best-case scenario for him.
“I think he’s pushing nine years of (major-league) service, which is really impressive for him, (for) any player. And if he doesn’t, we definitely would like him back. And I think we’ve kind of shown how much we value him.”
Ramirez, who lives in the Tampa Bay area in the offseason, has said several times that he appreciated the opportunity to pitch at home. He started this season at Triple-A Durham, then was summoned on April 20 as injuries hit the staff. He pitched in 11 games, going 3-0 (sharing the team lead for victories through Tuesday) with a 4.50 ERA and one save, getting the final out May 16 in Boston after Jason Adam was forced out of the game as the Rays exceeded the mound-visit limit.
Miscellany
UCF football coach Gus Malzahn threw out the first pitch — a strike — to hitting coach Chad Mottola, a former UCF baseball star. ... Reliever Chris Devenski (right knee tenditinis) threw three innings and 43 pitches (two hits, one run, three strikeouts) for Durham Wednesday in his third rehab appearance and could rejoin the Rays as soon as this weekend. ... Shane Baz (oblique strain) worked four-plus innings, allowing one run and three hits, in his fourth rehab outing. ... Reliever Colin Poche (mid back tightness) said he felt good after throwing 15 pitches in his first bullpen session in a month. ... Infielder Taylor Walls (hip surgery) is tentatively slated to move his rehab from the Florida Complex League to Durham on May 30.
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