Boston left the bases loaded in the eighth, ninth and 10th innings Tuesday, squandering crucial opportunities to score.

The Boston Red Sox are signing slugging first baseman Nathanial Lowe after he had been designated for assignment by the Nationals last week in favor of younger players, ESPN.com reported. Lowe, 30, will join one of the most potent offenses in baseball with Boston in the midst of a tight American League playoff race.

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.