Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe has never had his name on the injured list in his professional career. But after experiencing a right oblique strain while batting, Lowe could make his injured list debut and miss Opening Day.
According to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, the injury will sideline the 28-year-old for at least a “little bit.” While the Rangers plan to re-evaluate Lowe daily, the initial timeline is three to four weeks, depending on his progress. The oblique muscles are responsible for core control and rotation, making oblique injuries prevalent in baseball as they are activated while hitting and throwing. Most players diagnosed with a mild strain can typically return from an oblique injury after three to four weeks.
While Lowe can sometimes get lost in an infield entire of All-Stars, Nathaniel has been a consistent presence in the Rangers lineup. Lowe has rarely missed a start during his Rangers tenure and played all 17 games in their World Series run. He will join fellow infielders Corey Seager (hernia) and Josh Jung (calf strain) on the sidelines in spring training.
Nathaniel Lowe on oblique injury: “It sucks…getting paid to do nothing is kind of slimy.”
This is the first time Lowe has been on the IL in his professional career. He said that he hasn’t missed time due to an injury since before high school.#Rangers
— Jared Sandler (@JaredSandler) March 8, 2024
Rangers’ Nathaniel Lowe Could Miss Opening Day
As for who will take over for Lowe if he does open the season on the injured list, Bochy said the team would fill the hole internally. Rangers utility man Ezequiel Duran has spent most of camp at shortstop with Seager out but could move over to first until Lowe returns. Texas also has infield prospect Justin Foscue in camp. Foscue has already made the Rangers 40-man roster and has been getting work at first base in camp. Former Angels first baseman Jared Walsh is also in Arizona after signing a minor league deal with the Rangers in January. Walsh has had a strong showing in Spring Training so far and could see more work if Lowe misses time.
Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays, Lowe was traded to the Rangers in 2020 after two seasons in Tampa. In his first three seasons with Texas, Lowe has batted .276/.359/.440 with 62 home runs. Lowe won a Silver Slugger in 2022 after batting .302/.358/.492/.851 with 27 home runs and 76 RBI. In 2023, Nathaniel Lowe played a near-perfect first base, committing just three errors and winning his first Gold Glove.
While being without your Gold Glove first baseman isn’t ideal for any team, the Rangers have plenty of options to fill the hole until Lowe returns.
Main Photo: © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
