Report: Jed Lowrie to DL, Andy Parrino Called Up

Aug 13, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Athletics shortstop Jed Lowrie (8) at bat in the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

"Lowrie officially to DL. Parrino on his way to join club.– Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) August 14, 2014"

Athletics shortstop Jed Lowrie has been day-to-day since fracturing his finger on August 4th during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. He was held out of the line up for today’s August 14th game against the Kansas City Royals. Lowrie had done his best to push through the pain. In fact, he has played, in half of the 10 games since he suffered the fracture. Today, however, reports began to surface stating that Lowrie will not be able to play through the pain any longer.

"Lowrie feels pain when throwing, a burning feel, but occasionally bothers him when hitting. Doesn’t believe it adversely affects performance–   Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 12, 2014"

Lowrie might not believe it affects his performance, but there’s no way of avoiding the truth, his performance has declined since August 4. Lowrie has appeared in 5 games since his injury, with 15 at bats. He’s had only 2 hits, dropping his average from .242 to .238. While this decline is hardly significant it is concerning to have the go-to SS dealing with injuries, especially when they impact his performance. The decline is more prominent when comparing Lowrie’s 2013 and 2014 stats.

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Lowrie’s 2013 average of .290 has deteriorated to .238 in 2014, and slugging has plummeted from .446 to .354. His comments that the primary issue for him is pain while throwing generates some concern, considering the A’s glaring weakness is their middle infielders. Many thought a defensive upgrade would be the highest priority when the non-waiver trade deadline was looming. To fill the void left by Lowrie’s indefinite absence, Andy Parrino has been called up as a replacement.

Susan Slusser indicated that Lowrie will spend time on the DL, which should allow him time to heal and play in September, and hopefully October if all goes well for the team. As it stands, there is no timeline for his return.

"Melvin says Punto’s hamstring is improving, no running yet. But that’s encouraging, with Lowrie looking at a minimum of 15 days on DL.– Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 14, 2014Melvin hopeful Lowrie back healthy for final month. No guarantees with fractures but hope is that hairline fracture will mend more quickly.– Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 14, 2014"

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This is certainly not the first time Lowrie has had to miss significant time due to injury. Lowrie was acquired from the Astros, with Fernando Rodriquez, on February 4, 2013. The acquired SS brought with him a storied history of being injury prone. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY Sports, reported:

"The switch-hitting Lowrie, 28, has an extensive history of injuries – shoulder, wrist, ankle, oblique, even mononucleosis – and set career highs with 97 games played and 340 at-bats last season. When healthy, he’s a versatile player with some power – he had a .907 OPS in 55 games with the Boston Red Sox in 2010 – and a good notion of the strike zone. February 4, 2013"

With Lowrie’s history of injuries, and his current slump, it will be crucial that his DL stint allows him to fully heal and be ready to man the middle of the infield (and the lineup) during the end of the season and, hopefully, the postseason. Lingering injuries become increasingly dangerous when October baseball is on the line. The Athletics will need him entirely healthy for their final push to the postseason, and their hopeful World Series run.

"Difficult for #Athletics to sit Jed Lowrie next 2-3 weeks… but important to have him healthy during the REALLY important final stretch.– Brodie Brazil (@brodiebrazilCSN) August 14, 2014"

Perhaps a stint on the disabled list is just what the slumping Lowrie needs. It is also worth noting that Lowrie was injured only 4 days after Cespedes was traded. Coincidence? I think not and I’m not alone! “Mossy” left a comment on Susan Slusser’s article “MRI shows A’s Jed Lowrie has fractured finger” stating:

"Coincidence or Cause?Number of fractured fingers by Lowrie with Cespedes: 0Number of fractured fingers by Lowrie without Cespedes: 1That’s an infinite increase.This is how Liberal Arts majors do stats."

Lowrie will become a free agent this winter.