CHICAGO — The Rays saw up close what damage Brandon Lowe could do for the 745 games and nearly 3,000 plate appearances he had in their uniform.
Friday, for the first time when it counts, they will be on the other side, trying to cool the hot start Lowe has had since joining the Pirates following a December trade.
“I’m not surprised by the start,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We saw it for (eight) years, what he’s capable of doing, It’ll be very good to see him. That team has played very, very well, but certainly with Brandon, he holds a pretty special place in a lot of people’s minds here in this organization, helped us win a lot of ballgames.”
Lowe, the fifth-longest-serving Ray with seven years and 57 days of service time, left ranked among the franchise leaders in numerous categories including homers (157, third); runs (415, sixth); extra-base hits (295, sixth) and doubles (126, eighth). His 745 games played were eighth most.
The Rays in early November picked up Lowe’s $11.5 million option for this season, then six weeks later traded him to the Pirates, with outfielder Jake Mangum and reliever Mason Montgomery, for two prospects. Outfielder Jacob Melton is expected to help at some point this season, while pitcher Anderson Brito is a few years away.
Lowe has done well for the National League Central co-leading Pirates, hitting .262 with seven homers, 16 RBIs and a .992 OPS through Thursday.
Lefty Shane McClanahan, who starts Sunday, acknowledged it was odd when the Rays saw Lowe in a different uniform during exhibitions but knows that is just part of the game.
“In spring training it was weird, but I’m happy for him and all the success he’s continued to have,” McClanahan said. “I created a good friendship with him, and I’m excited to see him.”
And if McClanahan ends up facing Lowe?
“It’s business,” he said. “Strictly business. He knows that. He feels the same way.”