Nate Lowe ‘blessed’ to be selected to Futures Game
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Nate Lowe will trade Alabama’s state capital for the nation’s capital.
The first baseman was named to Major League Baseball’s All-Star Futures Game on Friday. Lowe, who will play for Team USA on July 15 at Nationals Park, is the fifth Biscuit selected for the game in the past four years. In 2016, Ryne Stanek, Willy Adames and Chih-Wei Hu were chosen. Blake Snell preceded them the year prior.
“I’m blessed to be put in a situation like this,” said Lowe. “It’s nice to kind of get out there and get a little recognition for some of the hard work that is starting to pay off.”
The 22-year-old is enjoying a career campaign. Lowe has a .350 batting average, 16 home runs and 68 RBIs between Montgomery and High-A Charlotte. While the two-time Florida State League Player of the Month has already doubled his previous best in home runs, his 68 RBIs is one shy of the most in Minor League Baseball.
“It’s just another stepping stone for him in his progression through the Minor Leagues,” said Biscuits manager Brady Williams. “It’s a great opportunity for him and it’s well earned.”
Lowe’s production has gone under the radar in some respects. The 13th round pick was unranked in MLB Pipeline’s Tampa Bay Rays pre-season top 30 prospects. While that will soon change, Williams attributes Lowe’s success to the slugger’s work ethic.
“He has put a lot of work in. He changed his body a lot and got into way better shape. He has gotten stronger and his agility has gotten better defensively,” said Montgomery’s manager. “He can hit all different types of pitching.”
All-Star Sunday will be Lowe’s first time playing in a Major League stadium. Although the Mississippi State product once had a workout at San Diego’s Petco Park, the All-Star Futures Game in Washington, D.C., will prove to be special for several reasons.
“Both my parents are going to be there,” said Lowe, who will share the experience with his parents and agent, among others. “I’m excited to just get going.”
Charlotte Stone Crabs outfielder Jesus Sanchez was also selected to the All-Star Futures Game. The outfielder from Higuey, Dominican Republic, is hitting .303 with 9 home runs and 53 RBIs in High-A. Sanchez will represent the Rays for Team World.
