Nathaniel Lowe Steps Away, Red Sox Reinforcements Step In

The Boston Red Sox will be without their starting first baseman for a few days.

Nathaniel Lowe was placed on the paternity list Thursday as he and his family welcome a new child, according to the Associated Press.

By rule, he can be away from the club for up to three days, which sets his likely return before Sunday’s finale against Pittsburgh.

Lowe had been holding down the strong side of a platoon at first base and was hitting .296 with a home run and seven RBIs across nine games since joining Boston earlier this month.

The absence prompted several roster moves.

Veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder was reinstated from the 10-day injured list after missing nearly two weeks with an oblique strain. Refsnyder, who was immediately penciled in as the designated hitter against Baltimore, had been batting .272 with six homers in 54 games.

Manager Alex Cora said his presence against left-handed pitching was badly needed, noting that Refsnyder’s disciplined at-bats force opponents into tricky bullpen decisions.

The Red Sox also made adjustments on the pitching side. Right-hander Justin Slaten returned from the 60-day injured list after being sidelined since late May with shoulder inflammation. He posted a 3.47 ERA in 24 appearances before the setback.

To create space, lefty Jovani Morán was sent back to Triple-A Worcester after a brief stint with the big-league club.

Romy Gonzalez could see more at-bats against right-handed pitching while Lowe is away. But with Refsnyder back and Slaten available, Boston depth is in a stronger position to handle the coming stretch.