New Angels OF Josh Lowe confident he can return to 2023 form

The outfielder hit 20 home runs and stole 32 bases in 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays, but oblique injuries have slowed him ever since.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Josh Lowe, the new Angels outfielder, is confident he can return to the form he showed in 2023 when he hit .292 with 20 home runs and 32 stolen bases for the Tampa Bay Rays. Oblique injuries have contributed to a decline in his performance over the past two seasons, but Lowe says he spent the offseason working to prevent future issues with his oblique. If he can stay healthy, Lowe believes he can be an impact player for the Angels with his mix of power and speed.

Why it matters

Lowe was one of the most promising young players in the majors in 2023, and the Angels are hoping he can regain that form to help bolster their lineup. His ability to hit for power and steal bases would be a valuable asset for the team, especially if he can improve his production against left-handed pitching.

The details

Lowe, 28, was drafted 13th overall by the Rays in 2016 and reached the majors in 2021. In 2023, his first full season, he hit .292 with an .835 OPS, 20 homers and 32 stolen bases. However, oblique injuries have contributed to a decline in his performance over the past two seasons, with Lowe hitting just .230 with a .670 OPS. Lowe says he spent the offseason focusing on preventing future oblique issues, and he's confident that if he can stay healthy, he'll be able to recapture the form he showed in 2023.

  • Lowe reached the majors in 2021.
  • In 2023, Lowe had a breakout season, hitting .292 with 20 homers and 32 stolen bases.
  • Oblique injuries have slowed Lowe over the past two seasons, with him hitting just .230 with a .670 OPS.

The players

Josh Lowe

A 28-year-old outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels who had a breakout season in 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays, hitting .292 with 20 home runs and 32 stolen bases.

Mike Trout

The star center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels who prefers to play that position.

Jo Adell

A young outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels who has also been more comfortable playing right field.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think I need to re-prove that because I've done it.”

— Josh Lowe (sbsun.com)

“The good thing about that is I don't have to go out and try super hard to be that because I already have done that. It's just a matter of going out and being myself and doing what it takes every day to go win a game and those numbers will show up at the end of the season. And I think if you're going out and playing the game hard and playing the game to win for the people next to you, those things will take care of themselves.”

— Josh Lowe (sbsun.com)

“I think oblique injures are more mental in a sense than they are physical. You kind of think 'Oh, I hope I'm OK today.' You're kind of working through some stuff. But I feel great and ready to go.”

— Josh Lowe (sbsun.com)

What’s next

The Angels will try Lowe at all three outfield positions during spring training to determine where he fits best in their lineup.

The takeaway

Lowe's ability to bounce back from his recent oblique injuries and recapture the form he showed in 2023 will be crucial for the Angels as they look to improve their offense and challenge for a playoff spot in the competitive AL West.