Rays Activate Injured List for Brandon Lowe and Acquire Stuart Fairchild
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rays have moved second baseman Brandon Lowe to the 10-day injured list and, in turn, have acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations.
Lowe is dealing with tendinitis in his left ankle. He left Saturday’s game and was initially diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, although it was later clarified that it was tendinitis.
The designation on the injured list is retroactive to July 20, suggesting he could return before the July 31 trade deadline. Lowe has been the subject of trade rumors, linking him to several contenders in need of second base reinforcements.
The 29-year-old player has participated in 87 games this season, with a batting average of .269, 19 home runs, 11 doubles, and three stolen bases. He has driven in 58 runs and struck out in just over 25% of his plate appearances. Although Lowe is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, Tampa Bay has a $11.5 million club option for 2026, giving the Rays flexibility.
Fairchild, who was designated for assignment by Atlanta on Monday, joins Tampa Bay as a versatile option for the fourth outfielder.
The 29-year-old has played in 277 major league games for six different teams, including the Diamondbacks, Reds, Giants, Mariners, Braves, and Rays. Known for his speed, Fairchild can play all three outfield positions. He has slightly above-average results against left-handed pitchers, but overall is not an offensive producer. Fairchild no longer has minor league options and must remain on Tampa Bay’s active roster.
As a complementary measure, right-handed pitcher Manuel Rodriguez was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
