Brandon Lowe has put together arguably the most impressive season in the Florida State League this season.
On Wednesday, the former Maryland second baseman’s hard work was validated as Lowe was promoted to Double-A affiliate Montgomery along with teammate Brett Sullivan. Lowe’s promotion comes less than two years after he was taken in the third round by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Lowe departs the Stone Crabs after leading the Florida State League in batting average (.311), doubles (34), extra base hits (46), runs scored (62), slugging percentage (.524), and OPS (.927).
He broke the Charlotte all-time records for slugging percentage and OPS that was previously held by current Milwaukee Brewers catcher Stephen Vogt.
Lowe made his debut with the Biscuits on Wednesday evening as he went 1-for-3 with an RBI in a 5-2 loss to the Chattanooga Lookouts. The former Terrapin batted ninth for Montgomery in the loss.
During his two seasons at Maryland, Lowe hit .338 with 10 home runs and 95 RBIs. He also recorded 37 extra base hits and 19 stolen bases during his time in College Park.
Prior to the 2017 season, Lowe was tabbed as the No. 18 prospect in the Rays’ system, according to MLB Pipeline. After a phenomenal campaign, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Lowe rose in the rankings.
Lowe has already played for three different affiliates in the Tampa Bay system, including Single-A (Full) Bowling Green, Single-A (Adv.) Charlotte, and now Double-A Montgomery. In 2016, Lowe did struggle at Bowling Green where he hit just .248 with five home runs and 42 RBIs.
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It’s been a very successful career for Lowe since he left College Park. If he continues to swing this kind of bat, he could be in Tampa Bay in the very near future.