The left oblique tightness that forced him out of a game earlier this month was not so severe that a trip to the injured list seemed automatic. But a similar injury kept him out of 38 games last season so the Rays opted for caution and chose to shut him down days before the All-Star break to make sure the problem did not get any worse.

The Tampa Bay Rays have placed second baseman Brandon Lowe on the 10-day injured list and acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Braves for cash considerations.