Red Sox Division Rival Dealt Devastating Blow, Lose All-Star To IL

The Tampa Bay Rays are just 1 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox for the third and final American League wild-card spot.

Tampa Bay was dealt a crushing blow on Tuesday, however, as it placed All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe on the injured list due to ankle and foot issues. The team also announced that they’d landed outfielder Stuart Fairchild in a trade with the Atlanta Braves.

“The Tampa Bay Rays have placed INF Brandon Lowe (left ankle/foot tendinitis) on the 10-day IL (retro July 20) and acquired OF Stuart Fairchild from the Braves for cash considerations,” the team’s official X account posted.

The Tampa Bay Rays have placed INF Brandon Lowe (left ankle/foot tendinitis) on the 10-day IL (retro July 20) and acquired OF Stuart Fairchild from the Braves for cash considerations.

Fairchild will wear No. 20. (1/2)

— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) July 22, 2025

Lowe is in his eighth MLB season (all with the Rays) and is having one of the best years of his career.

The 31-year-old heads to the IL with 19 home runs, 50 RBIs and a .269/.320/.480 slash line. Lowe recently made his second All-Star, but first since his 2019 rookie campaign.

He ranks second on the team in home runs and runs scored (55) while tying for third in RBIs.

Fairchild is in his fifth big-league season and had gone just 11-for-51 with no home runs and two RBIs across 28 games with Atlanta in 2025. The 29-year-old was designated for assignment on Monday when the Braves called up former Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon.