Nate Lowe -- General News
General News sources for Nate Lowe of the Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds signed 30-year-old Nathaniel Lowe to a minor league contract in February despite uncertainty about his roster fit. General manager Brad Meador praised Lowe's track record as a left-handed hitter with zone control and power, and emphasized his leadership qualities and makeup as reasons for bringing him in, even with roster depth at first base and DH positions.
Lowe competed for a final roster spot against prospects JJ Bleday and Rece Hinds during spring training. Manager Terry Francona's decision to send Bleday and Hinds to Triple-A for regular playing time helped Lowe make the opening day roster, though he was initially slated as a bench bat. During the first 14 games through April 10, Lowe appeared in only 15 plate appearances as Sal Stewart held the first base job and Suárez served as the DH.
The landscape shifted significantly when Eugenio Suárez suffered an oblique injury on April 24 and landed on the injured list. Since then, Lowe has been in the lineup every day at DH. Through 55 plate appearances this season, Lowe is batting .265 with a .917 OPS. Francona noted that while losing Suárez's production is a significant blow over a full season, Lowe has performed well in the small sample and appears capable of filling the void.