BRADENTON: Josh Lowe won’t be in the Rays’ starting lineup on opening day. The outfielder was sidelined once more after suffering a “mild” strain to his right oblique just as he was getting ready to recover from a hip injury. He has decided to abstain from baseball for the next five to seven days.
On Sunday, Rays manager Kevin Cash stated, “He tweaked his oblique.” “When he mentioned feeling something two days ago, we were a little enthusiastic about his return. On Saturday, we had an MRI, and the results showed what was described as a Grade I, very modest, tiny strain. He will be unavailable for a little period.”
Lowe had a breakout season in 2023, so this is a major setback for him and complicates the Rays’ outfield strategy. In addition to platooning with Amed Rosario in rightfield, Lowe was expected to cover mostly for Jose Siri in centerfield.
“I believe that all of the players on the roster might be on the candidate list. Siri is going to play a lot, whether it’s Rosie or Randy (Arozarena); we need to sort of wrap things up in a bubble and hope he stays healthy,” Cash remarked. Palacios (Richie) has the ability to appear. Thus, on Monday, Randy might be back in the center.
After being acquired from the Cardinals during the summer, Palacios entered training challenging Jonny DeLuca for a roster place. However, DeLuca suffered a broken hand during the Rays’ vacation to the Dominican Republic. As a result, Palacios is certain to make the opening day roster, with Lowe out of the lineup until the second or third week of the season.
Palacios remarked, “I feel like I’ve put some good swings together and I am playing good defense.” “However, there are still plenty of spring games in progress. Thus, it continues. I just keep trying to get better every day, whatever that role may be for me. In order to improve, I’m working on all positions.
The Rays are impressed thus far.
With two home runs in 11 games this spring, Palacios has improved his offensive performance after working at Driveline in the winter and gaining some bat speed. All Palacios needs to do for the Rays is advance in his career.OPS of 635 versus right-handers.
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