The Red Sox announced four roster moves Monday afternoon, including an unexpected outfield injury.

Wilyer Abreu exited Sunday’s game with right calf tightness, but it was Rob Refsnyder whom Boston placed on the 10-day injured list Monday, with a left oblique strain (retroactive to Aug. 15). They also recalled infielder/outfielder Nate Eaton from Triple-A and designated catcher Ali Sanchez for assignment.

The Red Sox also officially announced the signing of first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to a one-year deal for the ’25 season. Lowe, a former Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and ’23 World Series champion, was designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals Thursday. Lowe, 29, hit .216 with a .665 OPS in 119 games, a far cry from the .272 average and .789 OPS he posted between his ’19 debut and the end of last season.

It’s been a whirlwind for Lowe, who leaves a last-place Nats team (50-74) for a ball club vying for its first postseason berth since ’21.

“It’s so exciting,” Lowe said as he stood in the Red Sox clubhouse for the first time Monday afternoon. “Getting plugged into a lineup that’s having great success and is part of making a great postseason push is what it’s all about, so it’s a true blessing to be here.”

“It’s right in front of us, right? The whole point is winning, and we got a chance to win in this clubhouse, and I got a chance to contribute to winning baseball, so that’s all I can really ask for.”

The Red Sox entered Monday 68-57 on the season, five games back from the Toronto Blue Jays and just a half-game ahead of the New York Yankees in the American League East. Boston is also tied with Seattle for the top AL Wild Card spot.

Since Triston Casas’ season ending injury the first weekend of May, the Red Sox have split first base duties between utility-men Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez. Lowe, a Gold Glove defender two years ago, should help a ball club that leads the majors with 97 errors, including nine at first base (T-3 in MLB).

In 14 career games at Fenway, Lowe is 15 for 57 (.263) with five doubles, a home run, eight runs, 15 RBI, seven walks and 12 strikeouts. In 18 career postseason games between the 2020 Tampa Bay Rays and ’23 Texas Rangers, he collected 14 hits, including two doubles and three home runs.

“I’ve always enjoyed coming here as a visiting player,” Lowe said. “Seeing this team win and being a part of something like that is so attractive.

Houck undergoes surgery

Tanner Houck underwent “hybrid reconstruction of the right ulnar collateral ligament (elbow) with flexor tendon repair,” the Red Sox announced Monday afternoon. The right-hander last pitched in May and will now miss most, if not all of the ’26 season.