Just four days after being activated from the injured list, Tampa Bay Rays All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe was placed back on it Tuesday.
Lowe missed the final seven game before the All-Star break due tightness in his left oblique. The injury forced him to skip the All-Star Game for the second time in his career. This time around, his injury is tendinitis in his left foot/ankle.
The Rays moved quickly to fill Lowe’s spot on the active roster by acquiring journeyman outfielder Stuard Fairchild from the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations. To make room for Fairchild on the 40-man roster, the Rays transferred relief pitcher Manuel Rodriguez (forearm strain) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL.
Lowe reportedly has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot since Friday, and the injury forced him out of Saturday’s game against the Orioles. Lowe didn’t play Sunday or Monday. He has said he wasn’t sure how the injury came about, only that it was preventing him from running and fielding at full tilt.
Lowe has posted a slash line of .269/.320/.480 this season, with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs.
Fairchild had been designated for assignment by the Braves on Monday after hitting .216/.273/.333 in 28 games for Atlanta, with most of his work coming as a pinch runner or defensive replacement. The 29-year-old has played for five MLB teams and can play all three outfield spots.