Zac Lowther

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Zac Lowther

| image =

| position = Pitcher

| team = Wei Chuan Dragons

| number = 33

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|4|30}}

| birth_place = Middleburg Heights, Ohio, U.S.

| bats = Left

| throws = Left

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = April 25

| debutyear = 2021

| debutteam = Baltimore Orioles

| debut2league = CPBL

| debut2date = April 3

| debut2year = 2025

| debut2team = Wei Chuan Dragons

| statleague = MLB

| statyear = 2022 season

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 1–3

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 6.94

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 31

| stat2league = CPBL

| stat2year = April 27, 2025

| stat21label = Win–loss record

| stat21value = 1–0

| stat22label = Earned run average

| stat22value = 1.47

| stat23label = Strikeouts

| stat23value = 18

| teams =

Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2022}})
Wei Chuan Dragons ({{by|2025}}–present)

}}

Zacary William Lowther ({{IPAc-en|'|l|aʊ|θ|ər}} {{respell|LAU|ther}};[https://pressbox.athletics.com/Publications/MLB%20Media%20Guides/MLB%20Publications/2021%20Player%20Name%20Presentations%20&%20Pronunciation%20Guide.pdf Major League Baseball 2021 Player Name Presentation Preferences and Pronunciations (Baltimore Orioles page).] Retrieved April 26, 2021 born April 30, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Wei Chuan Dragons of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles.

Amateur career

Lowther attended Cuyahoga Heights High School in Cuyahoga Heights, Ohio, and played as a pitcher for their baseball team. He also started on the varsity football team for two seasons. In three years on the varsity team, Lowther had a 12–2 win–loss record, a 0.71 earned run average (ERA), and 201 strikeouts.{{cite web|url=http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/7563649519957322223/cuyahoga-heights-senior-pitcher-zac-lowther-a-contender-for-baseballs-player-of-the-year-weekly-mvp-spotlight-for-april-29-2014-poll/ |title=Cuyahoga Heights senior pitcher Zac Lowther a contender for baseball's player of the year: weekly MVP spotlight for April 29, 2014 (poll) - cleveland.com |publisher=Highschoolsports.cleveland.com |date=April 29, 2014 |access-date=April 19, 2018}} He enrolled at Xavier University and played college baseball for the Xavier Musketeers.{{cite web|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2017/04/13/xaviers-lowther-grabbing-national-attention-mound/100389260/ |title=Xavier's Lowther grabbing national attention on the mound |publisher=Cincinnati.com |date=April 13, 2017 |access-date=April 19, 2018}} He led the Big East Conference with 86 strikeouts in 2016, his sophomore year. That summer, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he was named a league all-star and led the league with 54 strikeouts.{{cite web|url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=911948&seasonid=29795 |title=#54 Zacary Lowther |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://capecodbaseball.org/news/season/index.html?article_id=2275 |title=2016 All-Star teams, Home Run Hitting Contest participants announced |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |access-date=May 6, 2020}} In 2017, Lowther set a Xavier single-season record with 123 strikeouts and was named to the All-Big East Conference team.{{cite news|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2017/06/13/zac-lowther-becomes-highest-mlb-draft-pick-xavier-history/102802388/ |title=Zac Lowther becomes highest MLB draft pick in Xavier history |newspaper=The Enquirer |publisher=Cincinnati.com |date=June 13, 2017 |access-date=April 19, 2018}}

Professional career

=Baltimore Orioles=

The Baltimore Orioles selected Lowther in the second round, with the 74th overall selection, of the 2017 MLB draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/06/cuyahoga_heights_zac_lowther_t.html |title=Cuyahoga Heights' Zac Lowther taken No. 74 by Baltimore Orioles in MLB Draft 2017 |publisher=cleveland.com |date=June 13, 2017 |access-date=April 19, 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bs-sp-orioles-zac-lowther-draft-analytics-20180601-story.html|title = Modern analytics paired with traditional scouting helped Orioles land lefty Zac Lowther in 2017 draft}} He became the highest draft pick from Xavier's baseball program. Lowther signed with the Orioles, receiving a $779,500 signing bonus.{{cite web|last=Melewski |first=Steve |url=http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2017/06/when-it-comes-to-draft-picks-signings-the-os-have-moved-fast.html |title=When it comes to draft pick signings, O's have moved fast – Steve Melewski |publisher=Masnsports.com |date=June 24, 2017 |access-date=April 19, 2018}} He pitched for the Aberdeen IronBirds of the Low–A New York-Penn League after he signed,{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bs-sp-orioles-low-minors-starting-pitching-20171107-story.html |title=Orioles organizational depth report: Pitching-heavy draft classes leave low minors full of promising starters |publisher=Baltimore Sun |access-date=April 19, 2018}} going 2–2 with a 1.66 ERA in 12 games (11 starts).{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=675912#/career/R/pitching/2018/ALL|title=Zac Lowther Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=MiLB.com|access-date=April 30, 2018}} He began the 2018 season with the Delmarva Shorebirds of the Single–A South Atlantic League.{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bs-sp-orioles-minors-0415-story.html |title=Orioles minor league report: Zac Lowther tosses six no-hit innings in Shorebirds debut |publisher=Baltimore Sun |access-date=April 19, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/sally/news/zac-lowther-proves-unhittable-in-delmarva-shorebirds-debut/c-271513218 |title=Lowther proves unhittable in Shorebirds debut |publisher=MiLB.com |date=April 10, 2018 |access-date=April 19, 2018}} In May, the Orioles promoted Lowther to the Frederick Keys of the High–A Carolina League{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bs-sp-orioles-zac-lowther-frederick-20180531-story.html|title = Orioles prospect Zac Lowther shows why promotion to Frederick was essential in debut Wednesday}} and he finished the season there. In 23 games (22 starts) between the two clubs, he pitched to an 8–4 record with a 2.18 ERA.{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=675912#/career/R/pitching/2018/ALL|title=Zac Lowther Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=MiLB.com|access-date=October 6, 2018}}

During the 2019 season, Lowther played for the Bowie Baysox of the Double–A Eastern League,{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-hunter-harvey-bowie-20190402-story.html|title=Oft-injured Orioles prospect Hunter Harvey to pitch without restrictions in Bowie: 'The gloves are off'|first=Nathan|last=Ruiz|website=baltimoresun.com}} going 13–7 with a 2.55 ERA over 26 starts, striking out 154 batters over 148 innings.{{Cite web|url=https://sabr.org/latest/laurila-orioles-prospect-zac-lowther-is-adding-polish-to-his-vexing-funk/|title=Laurila: Orioles prospect Zac Lowther is adding polish to his vexing funk – Society for American Baseball Research}} Lowther did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the Minor League Baseball season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|author=Jeff Todd |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/06/2020-minor-league-season-will-be-canceled.html |title=2020 Minor League Season Canceled |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=2020-06-30 |accessdate=2021-05-09}} On November 20, 2020, Lowther was added to the 40-man roster.{{cite web|author=Anthony Franco |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/11/orioles-designate-renato-nunez-for-assignment.html |title=Orioles Designate Renato Nunez For Assignment |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=2020-11-20 |accessdate=2021-05-09}}

Lowther began the 2021 season at the Orioles' alternate site in Bowie. On April 25, 2021, Lowther was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.{{cite web|author=Anthony Franco |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/04/orioles-to-designate-wade-leblanc-for-assignment.html |title=Orioles Designate Wade LeBlanc For Assignment |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=2021-04-25 |accessdate=2021-05-09}} He made his MLB debut that day against the Oakland Athletics, pitching a scoreless ninth inning.{{cite web |first=Nathan |last=Ruiz |date=April 25, 2021 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-wade-leblanc-zac-lowther-20210425-qxic6v2i5vec3nvdco2ahuyq5q-story.html |title=Orioles promote pitching prospect Zac Lowther, who makes his big league debut: 'Is this a dream?' |website=Baltimore Sun |accessdate=2022-04-23}} The next day, the Orioles optioned Lowther back to their alternate site.{{Cite web | url=https://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2021/04/orioles-select-contract-of-jay-flaa.html | title=Home }} The Orioles assigned him to the Norfolk Tides of the Triple–A International League, and then promoted him to the major leagues for his first start on May 8;{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/zac-lowther-called-up-for-first-mlb-start|title=Notes: Lowther recalled; Means honored|website=MLB.com}} he allowed seven runs in two innings pitched.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/05/08/5b77f482-b036-11eb-ab4c-986555a1c511_story.html |title=Boston gives Baltimore rookie pitcher a quick lesson in his first MLB start |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=2021-05-08 |accessdate=2022-04-23}} Lowther returned to Norfolk after the game, and was promoted back to the major leagues in June.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31577325/baltimore-orioles-put-ace-john-means-injured-list-shoulder-strain|title=Orioles put ace Means on IL with shoulder strain|date=June 6, 2021|website=ESPN.com}}

Lowther competed for a spot in the Orioles starting rotation in 2022,{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/zac-lowther-orioles-prospect-first-spring-outing|title=Bidding for rotation spot, Lowther impresses|website=MLB.com}} but began the season with Norfolk. Lowther made 1 appearance with the Orioles, pitching 5.1 innings with 5 earned runs, and was designated for assignment on June 15 following the claiming of Jonathan Araúz.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/06/orioles-claim-jonathan-arauz-designate-zac-lowther.html|title=Orioles Claim Jonathan Arauz, Designate Zac Lowther|website=MLBTradeRumors|last=Franco|first=Anthony|date=June 15, 2022|access-date=June 15, 2022}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk on June 22.{{Cite web|title=Orioles’ Zac Lowther: Goes unclaimed off waivers|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/orioles-zac-lowther-goes-unclaimed-off-waivers/|access-date=2023-03-23|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He made 17 total appearances for Norfolk in 2022, struggling to a 10.31 ERA with 46 strikeouts in {{fraction|43|2|3}} innings pitched.

Lowther missed the start of the 2023 season due to injury, and began a rehab assignment with the rookie–level Florida Complex League Orioles in June. After one appearance, Lowther was released by the Orioles organization on June 9, 2023.{{Cite web|title=Zac Lowther: Released by Orioles|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/zac-lowther-released-by-orioles/amp/|access-date=2023-06-09|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

=Gastonia Baseball Club=

On April 18, 2024, Lowther signed with the Gastonia Baseball Club of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web|title=2024 Transactions|url=http://baseball.pointstreak.com/transactions.html?leagueid=174&seasonid=33927|access-date=April 22, 2024|website=baseball.pointstreak.com|language=en}} In 11 starts for Gastonia, Lowther compiled a 4–0 record and 2.82 ERA with 74 strikeouts across {{fraction|54|1|3}} innings pitched.

=Toros de Tijuana=

On July 3, 2024, Lowther's contract was purchased by the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=Transactions|url=http://baseball.pointstreak.com/transactions.html?leagueid=174&seasonid=33927|access-date=July 4, 2024|website=baseball.pointstreak.com|language=en}} In 5 games (4 starts) for Tijuana, he posted a 2–1 record and 2.19 ERA with 40 strikeouts across {{fraction|24|2|3}} innings pitched.

=Wei Chuan Dragons=

On January 15, 2025, Lowther signed with the Wei Chuan Dragons of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.{{Cite web|title=Wei Chuan Dragons Sign Zac Lowther|url=http://cpblstats.com/wei-chuan-dragons-sign-zac-lowther/|access-date=January 18, 2025|website=cpblstats.com|language=en}}

Personal life

Lowther's father, Marc, coached him from the time he was six years old through his career at Cuyahoga Heights. He and his wife, Brianna, have one daughter, born in January 2021.{{cite web|url=https://pressboxonline.com/2021/05/05/orioles-lhp-zac-lowther-new-daughter-makes-everything-so-much-better/ |title=Orioles LHP Zac Lowther: New Daughter 'Makes Everything So Much Better' - PressBox |publisher=Pressboxonline.com |date=2021-05-05 |accessdate=2022-04-23}}