The Los Angeles Angels, aiming to improve their competitiveness this season, have provided a promising update regarding Josh Lowe’s health. The outfielder, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team trade, has been sidelined with an oblique injury since late February. Despite concerns over his availability, the Angels now indicate that Lowe will take at-bats in minor league spring training to gain necessary plate appearances, with strong expectations that he will be prepared to play on opening day.
Josh Lowe’s Anticipated Role Within the Team
Josh Lowe is projected to fill a key spot in the Angels’ middle lineup, offering protection for star player Mike Trout, who continues to show signs of his former MVP caliber talent. Last season, Lowe experienced a downturn, hitting .220 with a .283 on-base percentage and .366 slugging across 108 games, along with a modest tally of 11 home runs and 40 runs batted in, plus 18 stolen bases. Despite this, his underlying metrics suggest he remained a powerful hitter, ranking highly in average exit velocity, hard-hit percentage, and optimal launch angle percentages for 2024.
Lowe is typically an aggressive hitter, but the Angels hope he can develop more discipline at the plate to maximize his impact. Defensively, he is expected to start in right field, a position opened by Mike Trout’s return to center field, where Lowe’s ability to handle corner outfield duties will be important.
Backup Plans If Lowe Is Delayed Beyond Opening Day
Though the team anticipates Lowe’s timely return, the Angels have contingency plans if he cannot start the season. Jo Adell and Jorge Soler stand as primary alternatives, though neither contributes strong defense. Adell’s defensive metrics have been subpar, and Soler has mainly taken on a designated hitter role recently; both players, however, bring valuable offensive potential.
Bryce Teodosio serves as another option, primarily in a platoon role, but one that could expand if roster needs arise. Defensively, Teodosio ranks as one of the best in the Angels’ outfield, with excellent arm strength and sprint speed, reflected in his high Outfield Arm Runs Above Average (OAA) and percentile rankings last season. Offensively, Teodosio’s major league performance has been inconsistent, but his current spring training numbers, including a .346 average and an .816 OPS in 26 at-bats, show encouraging progress.
Ultimately, the Angels’ ability to adapt if Josh Lowe remains sidelined will be critical in maintaining lineup strength and defensive balance.
Implications of Lowe’s Health for the Angels’ Season Outlook
Josh Lowe’s health and availability carry significant weight for the Angels as they look to compete in a challenging season. Positioned to support Mike Trout and strengthen the lineup, Lowe’s recovery from his oblique strain will affect both the team’s offensive production and defensive alignment. The current plan to build his readiness through minor league spring training demonstrates the organization’s commitment to ensuring he starts the season fully prepared.
Should Lowe return as expected, the Angels will benefit from a potentially impactful bat and solid outfield presence. However, if setbacks occur, the depth of players like Jo Adell, Jorge Soler, and Bryce Teodosio will be vital in bridging the gap, balancing offense and defense. The team’s maneuvering around this injury situation will be a key storyline to watch as the season approaches.
Also, Josh Lowe (oblique) will likely start hitting in minor league games this weekend. He can load up on ABs in those games so the Angels are currently expecting him to be ready for Opening Day.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) March 10, 2026
