Lowe took on-field batting practice off a pitching machine for the first time since suffering a Grade 2 right oblique strain back on Opening Day. He’s expected to progress to facing live pitching on Friday and could potentially kick of a minor league rehab assignment this weekend in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League. The 27-year-old fantasy standout is likely to require a couple weeks of game action to get back up to speed, but it sounds like he could potentially return by mid-May, barring any setbacks.

Lowe told reporters afterwards that he’s feeling good and is aiming to hit off a tee next week. He’s still a few weeks away from getting into minor league rehab games, but there’s a strong chance he’s back at some point before the end May.

“It’s still a ways, but we got to be happy with the way he’s his body is feeling,” Cash added. Lowe probably isn’t going to return during April, but that the Rays have been getting quality production from Jake Mangum and Kameron Misner has made his absence sting less.

Lowe will undergo an MRI that will determine the severity of the strain and how much time he’s going to wind up missing. The 27-year-old is likely facing a multi-week absence considering he’s already been put on the injured list. It’ll be some combination of Kameron Misner, José Caballero and Jake Mangum filling the void in right field during his absence.