BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox signed first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to a one-year contract Monday, two days after he was released by the Washington Nationals. To make room on the roster, the Red Sox placed outfielder Rob Refsnyder on the 10-day injured list with a strained muscle on his left side.

On Monday, Lowe signed a prorated league minimum contract with the Red Sox for the remainder of the season. The deal presents only upside for Boston, with the team hopeful he can produce more in line with his career numbers and fill a need as a lefthanded platoon bat.