Chances are good that Derek Lowe will become a free agent after being designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers. (Image Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports)
Derek Lowe has been designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers in an effort to create an opening on the team’s active roster for Josh Lindblom, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star Telegram. Lowe’s $1.125 Million salary and poor performance on the mound will likely prevent another team from claiming him off of waivers, suggesting that he’ll be end up back on the free agent market once the Rangers release him.
Lowe had joined the Rangers late in Spring Training on a minor league deal and ended up winning a spot on the Opening Day roster, guaranteeing his salary. He’s thrown 13.0 IP for the Rangers on the year, allowing 13 runs on 16 hits. A ground ball pitcher throughout his career, Lowe’s been hit hard on the year, giving up three home runs in his nine appearances. Lowe has thrown more than 2,600 innings in his MLB career and has seen success as both a starter and reliever, but the production hasn’t been there since the end of the 2010 season. Since he’s a combined 19-28 with a 5.23 ERA in 342.2 IP, adding a 1.553 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9, and 5.3 K/9.
It’s tough to predict whether another team will be willing to give him another chance at a Major League bullpen unless he expresses a willingness to pitch in the minor leagues first. He’d only cost a pro-rated portion of the league minimum for the remainder of the season (Texas would be on the hook for the remainder of his salary) but Lowe is going to turn 40 on June 1st and hasn’t shown much on the mound. It’s questionable whether he’s done enough to justify another opportunity.
Lindblom was one of the two players that Texas received in their December trade that sent Michael Young to the Philadelphia Phillies. He’ll be making his Rangers debut with the callup, as he’s spent the season at Triple-A. In 43.1 IP over eight appearances (seven starts) he’s 4-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 0.877 WHIP.