Tampa Bay Rays 1B Nate Lowe named American League Player of the Week

Nate Lowe surely inspired a new Francis Scott Key song this past weekend

Nate Lowe has been named the American League Player of the Week for his decimation of Baltimore this past weekend.

The Rays rookie first baseman crushed the Baltimore Orioles pitching staff this past weekend, crushing three home runs over the four game series. He totaled eight hits over his 18 plate appearances, and slugged 1.059.

Lowe has finally found his power stoke in the majors; after rejoining the Rays earlier this month, Lowe has hit .345/.424/.897 with 5 HR over 33 plate appearances across eight games.

A 13th round selection by the Rays in the 2016 draft, Lowe struggled during his first professional season. A mechanical change at the plate helped him increase his power, which led to greater success. He blazed through the Rays system and up the prospect rankings following thereafter.

With the activation of Ji-Man Choi off of the 10-day Injured List, Lowe’s playing time may take a hit. It will take some maneuvering by Kevin Cash in to keep his Lowe’s suddenly hot bat in the starting lineup. His bat has been so potent that the Rays management is willing to try him, despite his lack of range, over at the hot corner in order to keep him in the lineup.