When is Josh Lowe Coming Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Return Update

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Josh Lowe enjoyed a breakout season in 2023. Lowe hit .292 at the plate with 20 home runs, 83 RBI, 33 doubles, and 32 stolen bases. Lowe -- who is the brother of Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe -- is looking to build on that campaign. 

However, Lowe's season will be delayed after the outfielder suffered an oblique strain in March. The left-handed hitter has dealt with his fair share of injuries this spring, and his recent oblique strain will now keep him out of action for a while.

So, when is Lowe coming back? How long will he miss? Let's dive in and find out.

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Josh Lowe Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

Lowe started the offseason battling a hip issue, which cost him the start of spring training. When he returned from that hip injury, though, he tweaked his oblique. That oblique issue appears to be a serious matter, as the Rays decided to place him on the 10-day injured list to begin the season.

The 26-year-old currently has a Grade 1 oblique strain that will likely keep him out for over one month. Lowe is still not doing any baseball activities as of March 28, which pushes back his estimated return. Don't forget, the outfielder only appeared in two spring training games, so he has to ramp back up to game action.

#Rays announce final moves as they set 26-man Opening Day roster:

OF Josh Lowe placed on the 10-Day IL (retro to 3/25)

SS Wander Franco placed on administrative leave

INF Niko Goodrum, acquired from #MnTwins, added to 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A Durham

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 28, 2024

It appears the earliest we can expect to see Lowe activated from the IL could be some time at the end of April. However, the beginning of May seems like a more reasonable timeline. 

Josh Lowe Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Lowe might not be active to start the season, but he's a great stash option on your bench in fantasy. He broke out in 2023, and there's reason to believe he can continue that strong play into 2024. He finished with an above-average batting average with 20 HRs, 32 stolen bases, and 33 doubles last year. 

It might be a while until Lowe is activated from the 10-day IL. However, he could occupy one of your IL spots on your fantasy roster -- assuming it isn't already fully occupied.

Josh Lowe: Hits IL, will miss beyond 10 days https://t.co/P3J3CDsTJp

— RotoWire⚾ (@RotoWireMLB) March 28, 2024

Lowe is coming off a breakout season, and he deserves to be rostered in most fantasy baseball leagues. Check the waiver wire to see if an impatient fantasy manager dropped him. If so, pick him up and stash him on your roster until he returns sometime likely in May. 

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