Lowe, Alonso named Rookies of the Month

May 2nd, 2019

The Rays’ Brandon Lowe and the Mets’ Pete Alonso were honored by Major League Baseball on Thursday as the respective American and National League Rookies of the Month for March and April.

Lowe, 24, hit just .233 in 43 games with the Rays last season, but he has made a dramatic leap in 2019. In his first 25 games this season, Lowe posted a .289/.350/.567 slash line with six home runs, five doubles, one triple, 17 RBIs and three stolen bases. He’s been a major contributor for a first-place Rays team that owns the AL’s best record.

“It’s incredible,” said Lowe, who hit a decisive two-run homer to lift the Rays to a 3-1 victory over the Royals on Thursday. “There are so many good rookies right now that are putting up great numbers and to be able to win this for this month is pretty special.”

Alonso -- the Mets' top prospect and MLB’s No. 48, according to MLB Pipeline -- hit .292/.382/.642 with nine home runs, eight doubles, one triple and 26 RBIs in his first 29 games in the big leagues. The 24-year-old first baseman’s nine home runs lead all MLB rookies and are tied for the most by a Mets player before May 1 with Neil Walker (2016), John Buck (2013), Carlos Delgado (2006) and Dave Kingman (1976).

“I feel like I’m living a fantasy right now,” Alonso said. “I’m enjoying my play, but this is a dream come true for me. Every single day, it’s a blessing for me. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity.”