Red Sox Reveal Plans for New 1B Nathaniel Lowe As Playoff Race Tightens
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Boston Red Sox are taking a low-risk gamble on first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.
First base has been a problem position for the Red Sox all year, so when Lowe became available to sign for the veteran minimum, having been designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals, it was something of a no-brainer.
After all, for as bad as Lowe was in Washington this year (.216/.297/.373 slash line in 119 games), he had a four-year stretch with the Texas Rangers where he was solidly above league average, even winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2022.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 18: Nathaniel Lowe #37 of the Boston Red Sox walks in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on August 18, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden...
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 18: Nathaniel Lowe #37 of the Boston Red Sox walks in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on August 18, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by)So as Lowe arrived in Boston on Monday with the Red Sox in the middle of a wild card race that is tightening by the moment, one had to wonder how much he'd be leaned on, given the divide between his career track record and the dismal season he's had.
Manager Alex Cora seemed to indicate that at least against right-handed pitchers, Lowe would be the Red Sox's new starter over the slumping Abraham Toro.
"He's a lefthanded hitter who's been there, done that," Cora said, per Sean McAdam of MassLive. "He was part of the Rangers when they won (the World Series). It's been an up-and-down season with the Nationals.
"Hopefully, he comes here and (takes advantage) of the wall, and what it means for lefties. He's excited to be here. We'll use him against righties, certain lefties, and pinch hit late. We'll maximize the roster."
Cora made good on that final promise on Monday night, as Lowe came in to pinch-hit in the ninth inning against Baltimore Orioles closer Yennier Cano. He drew a seven-pitch walk and scored on a Jarren Duran double, but Boston still lost 6-3.
Meanwhile, Toro is lucky just to still be on the roster, as the Red Sox put veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder on the injured list to clear space for Lowe on Monday, when the alternative was likely designating Toro for assignment.
Boston has lost their last two games to sub-.500 teams, and they need to start stacking wins as soon as possible. With a righty on the mound for Baltimore on Tuesday, can Lowe make his presence felt quickly?
More MLB: Red Sox Close To Receiving Much-Needed Roster Boost After Bullpen Meltdown
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