The Indians have designated Derek Lowe for assignment, reports MLB.com's Jordan Bastian (on Twitter). The move clears room on the roster for Corey Kluber.
Lowe, 39, pitched to a 5.52 ERA in 21 starts for Cleveland this season, including an 8.80 ERA in his last dozen starts. He walked (45) more batters than he struck out (41) in 119 innings, though he was still generating plenty of ground balls (60.0%) with that sinker.
The Indians acquired Lowe from the Braves this past offseason and only had to pay $5MM of his $15MM salary. They're still on the hook for that money less the pro-rated portion of the league minimum should he sign elsewhere. Lowe has expressed interest in returning to the Red Sox, and it's likely a pitching-starved team will give him a chance given his reputation as an innings eater.
Surprising
Agree there are several guys that deserve to be cut that has been pretty crappy on and off over the entire course of the season how about Accardo at one time this season the league was hitting over 300 and he is getting close to that stat again.
I thought that they would cut accardo and give Lowe the long relief spot.
But IMHO there are many moves to come over the next 2 weeks just figure anyone who does not fit next years plans will be pushed out shortly.
Duncan / Lopez / Accardo / Kotchman / Hannahan / Damon / as well as one rumor is if they fall below 10 dames out that they may go ahead and cut bait with Hafner and see what Canzler could do over 30 game stint.
Duncan hit over .300 with an OPS over 1.100 and 4 HRs in the month of July. Makes virtually the league minimum. He should not be on a list of guys to cut bait with right now…
What is the story with Masterson? the RSox wanted to try getting him back–anything you can pass on? Has he lost it–what’s the story?
Glad to see that the Jays were right about Accardo…
Here we go Ben Cherington.
I could see him signing a one-day contract with the Red Sox so that he can retire with the team whom he first had success with as well as winning a championship there.
Thank God.
My thoughts exactly.
say hello to the newest bluejay
I read comments when he was traded from the Braves, that it was a solid move for the Indians to have a starter for only 5 million and that his performance would improve with better infield defense.
As a Braves fan who experienced what Indians fans have experienced this year, I can say that designating him for assignment is the right move, D-Lowe is done.
Agreed. Lowe needs to retire. He’s been done for a while now. He’s just hanging on based on past success.
He was hanging on because he makes 15M this year. I wouldn’t leave that kind of money on the table even if I knew I was toast.
Hey AA…
Here’s the RHSP you’ve been looking for…
can we trade gose for him??
Derek Lowe hasn’t been in the bullpen for a decade, so I bet AA passes on that trade.
Called this move after his one start versus baltimore. It was only a matter of time.
I was looking back at the comments I made when he was traded, I found this, “Awesome…….For the Braves, now it’s you’re problem Indians”.
He looked pretty good at the first of the year. I think even threw a complete game shutout. Maybe he should take a few weeks off to get fresh then work out of the bullpen. Assuming he gets picked up
Was very good the first 2 months….then the wheels fell off. Maybe a trip back to the NL could help him but he is really struggling now.
Seems like a signing the Twins would make… the land of misfit toys…
No, that’s the Rockies.
Lowe in Coors would make even Jeremy Guthrie blush.
I dunno…groundballs should be a good thing at Coors
Go get him sandy alderson
I believe Mr. Lowe is finished. Great career, on a very short list of three pitchers who have had a 20 win season and a 40 save season. Smoltz, Eck, and Lowe. Pretty good company to be in.
If the Red Sox are considering him, they had better be considering him for the bullpen only…he has been losing it. His walk-to-K rate is absolutely unacceptable.
Finally. Now, about Johnny Damon…
+1 he was a mistake from the moment the ink on his contract dried.
Boston should sign him to a minor league contract
Pretty sure they cant do that. If they pick him up then they are picking up his contract.
Would be the perfect guy to fill in for Strasburg when he gets shut down. Say what you will about Lowe, but at least he’s a proven winner, has been to the playoffs, and would only be September by the time he had to pitch every 5th day.
Given how the Nationals are on pace to make the playoffs, I’d be surprised if the Strasburg shutdown occurs.
Are you a Braves fan? I am and I like your idea, lol. 😉
I’m pretty sure anyone who’s not a Nationals fan loves that idea.
As a Braves fan…I “like” this
If he’s looking to just continue pitching, he’s probably still better then Kip Wells and Olendorph (however you spell it) on tha Padres. I’m sure they will give him a shot.
Cant believe you guys said Twins or Rockies, Padres have the worst hodge podge group of starters ever essembled. 7 starters on the DL can do that to a team.
First two months of the season and everyone thought Cy Young Candidate.
Not really. He had a 17:18 K:BB in 61 innings. Not hard to see a sharp decline coming.
Mr. lowe, I understand you’ll go wherever you get a shot, but if possible, I recommend a team with a cavernous centerfield, and tall infield grass.
The Braves? Nope, that didn’t work lol
Target or Safeco field fit the bill. They are very pitcher friendly. Not sure about the tall infield grass though. I can’t imagine any team seriously considering a guy who’s ERA was 8.80 in his last 12 starts, even if he is free.
Twins?
Wouldn’t doubt to see the Twins pick him up. He would be an upgrade to Blackburn or DeVries.
I liked Lowe alot and stuck by him when most Braves fans had turned on him but he just got to be way too much to deal with and when he got sent to the tribe I was ecstatic
I honestly wouldn’t mind him coming back to the Dodgers, which I admit it sad.
Will Yankees have interest? If they are gonna keep Freddy in rotation and use Phelps in high level multiple inning spots, I think Lowe would make sense as a LR/mop up guy…
An innings eater? Yeah as long as you don’t mind giving up 8-9 runs he’s an innings eater. Hers a clue Tribe. Teams going no where don’t give 40 year olds a shot. They sign some high end FA in the off season. But, we already have JC Romero for next year so we’re done.
Lowe is also a Loss Columns eater too.
Lowe in a 6 starter role for the red sox or in relief?
Reds should pick him up. I know Dusty Baker is a big fan of his.
braves won that trade.
Come on Sandy pick up Lowe for the rest of the season
The Cubs should claim Derek Lowe. It allows them to get a veteran for the rotation to replace Dempster and it gives Lowe a chance to finish his career with Epstein who he won a World Series under. They won’t do it I’m sure as the youth movement is definitely far more important, but I can see it making some sense for both sides. Lowe does seem to be at the end of his career though. There is no question about it.
Funny how Omar Minaya got raked over the coals for Ollie Perez and his 3 year 36 mil contract…but had he gotten Derek Lowe…it would’ve been almost as bad for almost twice as much….( 4 year 60 mil )