The Opener: Lowe, Kelly, Neto

Here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Lowe to undergo MRI:

Yesterday’s game against the Red Sox took a rough turn for the Rays as outfielder Josh Lowe was pulled after the first inning due to what manager Kevin Cash called a right side strain. The injury is particularly worrisome given the fact that Lowe was sidelined an oblique strain earlier this season, although Lowe himself noted to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times that he’s “hopeful” this issue isn’t as significant as his previous injury. Lowe has been snakebit early in 2024, already dealing with hip inflammation and hamstring tightness in addition to his oblique issues. When healthy enough to take the field, he’s hit fairly well: .240/.296/.440 (108 wRC+) in 14 games. Richie Palacios received most of the reps in right field while Lowe was shelved previously and could be in line to do so again if he returns to the injured list.

2. Kelly nearing throwing program:

Diamondbacks veteran Merrill Kelly has been sidelined since late April by a shoulder strain and is currently on the 60-day injured list, meaning he’ll spend at least another month on the shelf. Fans in Arizona received some reason for optimism last night, however, as Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports that Kelly is set to undergo an MRI this week that will serve as a progress check regarding his ailing shoulder. Piecoro also adds that, per manager Torey Lovullo, the right-hander could resume throwing in the near future if the test results look good. With both Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez on the 60-day injured list, Zac Gallen, Jordan Montgomery, and Brandon Pfaadt have been joined by depth starters Ryne Nelson and Slade Cecconi in the starting rotation.

3. Neto to undergo testing:

Angels shortstop Zach Neto was removed from yesterday afternoon’s game against the Astros due to what the club termed right elbow soreness. Fortunately, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register relays that, according to Neto himself, the club’s training staff didn’t believe the injury to be a serious one. He’ll still be sent for precautionary testing, as Neto notes that he’s had issues with his elbow previously in his career. Either Luis Guillorme or Luis Rengifo could be tabbed to handle shortstop in Neto’s absence if he requires time to rest his elbow. If he winds up taking a trip to the injured list, veteran utility infielder Niko Goodrum is on the club’s 40-man roster in the minor leagues as a potential depth option. The 23-year-old Neto, whom the Angels drafted 13th overall in 2022, is hitting .249/.302/.420 (104 wRC+) with six homers and six steals. He’s been particularly hot of late, hitting .309/.350/.577 in 103 plate appearances over the past month. Neto has also drawn solid marks for his glovework through his first 133 big league games, dating back to last season.