Photo by Ed Delany, MMO
Long-shelved New York Mets infielder Jed Lowrie is reportedly making progress in his rehabilitation from multiple ailments that kept him out of action for most of the 2019 season.
After signing a two-year, $20 million contract with the Mets last January, Lowrie fell victim to a string of injuries. That saga began with what was diagnosed as a knee capsule sprain late in Spring Training. From there, the 35-year-old battled issues with his left hamstring, right calf, and, for a time, his entire left side.
Lowrie was activated from the 60-day injured list on September 7, going 0-for-7 with a bases-on-balls in eight pinch-hitting appearances, not seeing an inning of work in the field.
With one year and $10 million remaining on his contract, the Mets are surely hoping Lowrie can be expected to contribute in 2020. His versatility in the field and presumably still-potent (switch-hitting) bat (.272/.356/.448, 120 OPS+, .347 wOBA over 2017 and 2018 combined; 310 games) would certainly assist in filling out the Mets’ bench.
Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen spoke to the team’s press corps on Wednesday (quotes via Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News) and expressed hope that the 12-year MLB veteran would be ready to go once things get going in Port St. Lucie next month.
“We were pleased with [Lowrie’s] progress on where he’s at physically,” Van Wagenen said. “We did some testing to measure his strengths and he’s progressing to the point where we’re optimistic of having him participate in a meaningful way in Spring Training games.”
We’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available.
