Jed Lowrie injures thumb in Astros win over Marlins

Astros shortstop Jed Lowrie suffered a thumb injury in today’s 6-3 win over the Marlins. Lowrie was picked off of second base by Carlos Zambrano and jammed his thumb in the process. Marlins infielder Omar Infante blocked Lowrie off the base and Jed was caught by surprise. Lowrie left the game for treatment and x-rays and was later quoted as saying “I don’t think there’s any reason to block a base at any time, particularly at this time.” Lowrie now joins Jordan Schafer as a question mark health-wise for Opening Day.

Lucas Harrell had a solid start and earned the victory today. Harrell allowed one unearned run and only three hits in five innings pitched. Brett Myers had another encouraging outing as well. Myers needed only five pitches, all strikes, to dispatch the Marlins in the ninth for his first save of the spring.

Chris Johnson and Travis Buck stayed hot at the plate and Brian Bogusevic drove in a pair of runs. Marwin Gonzalez replaced Lowrie at shortstop and collected two hits in three at-bats. Gonzalez suddenly looks like he could be on the Opening Day roster. Brian Bixler was sent down to AAA today (Alex and I missed on that prediction) as was Angel Sanchez. That means Gonzalez and Matt Downs are the only players still in camp who can spell Lowrie at short. Bixler or Sanchez would probably be recalled if Lowrie’s injury turns out to be serious.  Either way, the injury to Lowrie will give Gonzalez an opportunity to show what he can do.

Infielder Scott Moore and RHP Enerio Del Rosario were also sent to minor league camp today. Non-roster invitee Joe Thurston was released. The Astros are now down to a total of 33 players in major league camp.