ARLINGTON, Texas – Veteran Derek Lowe, who struggled this year for the Texas Rangers, was designated for assignment Monday to create room for Josh Lindblom.
Lowe, who was signed in spring training to a $1.25 million deal, was 1-0 with a 9.00 ERA in nine appearances for Texas. He pitched Sunday, his first appearance in a week, and allowed two runs in 2/3 of an inning.
The decision wasn't an easy one for the club to make.
"That wasn't an easy conversation," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "We need (Cory) Burns right now. We weren't ready to send (Joseph) Ortiz out of here. Certainly weren't ready to move Frasor. Not going to move Scheppers or Robbie Ross. It came down to numbers and sometimes the game doesn't work for you. He's a pro. He's certainly been big in that clubhouse with our young pitchers. The value he brings you can't buy."
The move means the Rangers will have to shuffle their bullpen, with left-hander Michael Kirkman now the long man. It also means that right-hander Burns did enough in his two appearances since he came up last Thursday to keep a spot in the bullpen. Burns hasn't allowed a hit in 1 2/3 innings.
