Suffolk native Brandon Lowe finished third in the MLB American League Rookie of the Year voting.

Lowe wrapped up a stellar rookie season for the Tampa Bay Rays last month, and he was among the top vote-getters for the award. Had it not been for shin and quad injuries in the middle of the season that limited him to only 82 games, Lowe likely was a favorite to win.

The former Nansemond River High School standout finished the season hitting .270 with 17 home runs and 51 RBIs for a Tampa Bay Rays team that finished 96-66, earning a playoff berth. Lowe also earned his first MLB All-Star appearance as a second baseman for the American Legion. Because of his injuries, he was unable to play but was still honored as a part of the team.

In late July, when MLB.com writers voted in a poll for AL Rookie of the Year, Lowe was the top choice. He finished in the top 10 in many categories, including RBIs and homers. During the postseason in October, Lowe helped the Rays to a wildcard win over the Oakland A’s, advancing them to the Divisional Round against the Houston Astros. The Rays pushed the highly favored Astros to seven games, despite losing the series. Lowe earned his first career homer during that series.

This offseason, it is expected Lowe will take time to heal before the season starts next year. Before this season, he signed a six-year, $24 million deal.

At Nansemond River, Lowe starred on the baseball field, earning All-District, All-Region and All-State honors in his time there under Coach Mark Stuffel. Lowe eventually went on to star at the University of Maryland before entering the MLB draft.