Rays report: Josh Lowe moved to leadoff spot vs. Red Sox

BOSTON — The Rays’ lineup has a different look again tonight, with Josh Lowe moved to the leadoff spot.

The move seems based on trying to get a different look for Lowe, the rookie outfielder who is hitting just .170, 0-for-his-last-9 and 2-for-24. In 13 games since being called back up, he is hitting .146 (7-for-48).

Manager Kevin Cash said he felt Lowe had been hitting the ball harder and more often, and was on the cusp of a breakout.

The Rays will face Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello, a highly regarded prospect who has been called up to make his major-league debut.

Cash said of Bello: “I’ve read a little bit about him. Sounds like he’s discovered a fastball ... it went from 92 (mph) to now he’s throwing 99, so good for him. Not good for us. I hope he decides to throw 92.”

Bello is the third pitcher this season to make his first big-league appearance against the Rays, joining Seattle’s George Kirby and Oakland’s Adam Oller. The Rays are 6-1 in their last seven games against starters making their MLB debut.

The Rays are starting veteran Corey Kluber, who is coming off a rough outing at Toronto, where he lasted only three innings and took his third straight loss, his longest streak since 2016.

Also:

* Second baseman Brandon Lowe, out since mid-May with a low back issue, will start a rehab assignment on Thursday with Triple-A Durham with a goal of being ready to return after the July 18-21 All-Star break.

* Infielder Yu Chang, claimed on waivers from Pittsburgh on Tuesday, is set to join the team on Friday in Cincinnati. An infielder on the active roster is expected to be sent down.

* Cash said it was just a day off for infielder Isaac Paredes, who had played seven straight games.

Here is the Rays’ lineup:

And for the Red Sox:

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