The Red Sox are in the midst of a playoff race and cannot afford to blow games to inferior foes like Baltimore. Thursday’s decision loomed especially large since Cowser fired a poor throw to the plate that likely would have allowed Eaton to score to tie the game.

The Boston Red Sox are taking a low-risk gamble on first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. First base has been a problem position for the Red Sox all year, so when Lowe became available to sign for the veteran minimum,