Injured shortstop Jed Lowrie was activated from the 15-day disabled list today, following a rehab stint in Pawtucket. Lowrie has struggled with his surgically repaired wrist this season, causing him to lose his feel for the lumber.
Lowrie was successful in his latest trip to Pawtucket, hitting three home runs in his first two games after beginning his assignment on August 23rd.
The shortstop has played in just 19 games this season for Boston, hitting .143/.206/.232 with one home run in 63 plate appearances to go along with 5 BBs and 17 Ks.
His recent AAA numbers were a mixed bag, as he showed good plate discipline (13 BBs versus 13 Ks) and good power, while batting just .176.
Lowrie and Alex Gonzalez look to split time at shortstop until Lowrie can prove that his hitting woes have ended.
The Red Sox also recalled Dusty Brown today. He will provide added depth at catcher to go along with Victor Martinez, Jason Varitek, and George Kottarras.
Loading ...
If Lowrie can hit then he’s probably the best SS on the team. Still A-Gon has really helped solidify the position so unless he goes into a huge slump he’s the starter.
The horse to ride into November is A.Gonzales. His bat is on fire and improving. Tito says he is streaky, so let him streak. He has had years with good offensive numbers, so maybe he and Fenway and his career, at age 31, have put it all together; maybe just because he wants to stay with the Sox. Lord, his defense is still so solid.
Jed Lowrie is back, and hopefully he will get going quickly, but I can’t see Tito benching Alex in the next few weeks or in the playoffs.
Come Spring, they can duke it out: Alex, a healthy Jed, Nick. With Youk & V-Mart (and Ortiz) at 1b, Tito may keep all 3 in case help is needed at 3b. I think each of them is better short & long term than those who may be available through trade or FA (Scutaro, wilson, k.Green, O.Cab, J. Hairston, J. Juribe) except maybe Jose Reyes, who should have surgery now and who might be a rehab project at a more reasonable cost.