April 10, 2008 - Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday after he sprained his left thumb during the team's 7-2 loss to Detroit on Wednesday. Prospect Jed Lowrie, the Red Sox's 2007 minor league player of the year, was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Lowell's spot on the roster.

Lowrie should be the first of many talented young prospects to debut across baseball in 2008, but he may not see immediate playing time in Boston's infield. Kevin Youkilis moved from first base to third in Lowell's absence, and Sean Casey started at first. A natural shortstop, Lowrie will likely not take on a large role because of some defensive shortcomings and inexperience at third base.

Boston is suddenly thin in the infield after the injury to Lowell and an elbow injury to utility infielder Alex Cora, according to the Associated Press. Look for Lowrie to play a backup role to Youkilis, shortstop Julio Lugo and second baseman Dustin Pedroia during his stint with the parent club.

Should a situation arise where Lowrie is forced into duty, he is an average fantasy play until his power numbers materialize. He projects to have somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-home run pop and is polished enough to find success early in his career a la teammate Jacoby Ellsbury.

Watch Lowrie's playing status for now and see how he handles limited opportunities off the bench. If he makes the most of them and Lowell suffers a setback to his sprained thumb, there is potential for long-term value here.