The Pittsburgh Pirates lost their spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, falling 7-2 at Ed Smith Stadium.
The Pirates also got some bad news before the game, as All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe was scratched from the starting lineup with lower-body tightness. He was originally slated to play second base and bat second.
Per the Pirates’ medical team, he was expected to go through a normal practice session at the club’s spring training facility in Bradenton, Florida.
Brandon Lowe was removed from today’s original lineup due to lower body tightness, per an update from the Pirates’ medical team. He is expected to go through a normal practice session with the group staying back in Bradenton. Lowe was originally scheduled to play second base and…
— DK Pittsburgh Sports (@DKPghSports) March 11, 2026
With Opening Day only two weeks away, this is something for Pittsburgh fans to monitor. Not only is Lowe 31, but he’s also had trouble staying healthy throughout his career, averaging just 113 games per season over the last five years.
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Given that Lowe presumably practiced on Wednesday, his injury doesn’t seem too serious. It sounds more like the Pirates were simply being cautious with him.
Fortunately, he still has time to rest up and get back in the lineup before the season starts. He could use the extra reps, as he has only three hits and seven strikeouts in 18 plate appearances this spring.
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