(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Reporting Matt Loede
CLEVELAND (92.3 The Fan) – The Derek Lowe era in Cleveland is officially over.
The Indians have announced that Lowe, who was traded to the team back in October, is going to be designated for assignment on Thursday, making way for Corey Kluber to come to the Major League roster to start vs the Royals.
With Lowe gone, another spot in the rotation is open, and that spot could go to one of likely three throwers – Jeanmar Gomez, Chris Seddon and David Huff.
As for Roberto Hernandez, he remains suspended till August 10th, and in his last start on Tuesday in Columbus, showed why he’s not ready, allowing five runs in five innings.
Gomez was with the Indians earlier this year as the fifth starter, and since going to Columbus is 4-2 with a 3.54 ERA. Huff is just 5-5 with a 5.15 ERA for the Clippers, while the lefty Seddon is 11-5 with a 3.44 ERA.
The final straw for the Indians with Lowe came Tuesday night against the Royals, when he allowed 7 runs on 8 hits in 2.1 innings of the Indians eventual 8-3 loss to KC.
He wraps up his time with the Indians at 8-10 with a 5.52 ERA. He started the season like a house of fire at 6-1, but has gone 2-8 with a 8.28 ERA in his last 13 starts.
The Indians gave up minor-league reliever Chris Jones. for Lowe, and are on the hook for $5 million of his $15 million salary this year.
As of now the Indians rotation looks as follows – Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Zach McAllister, Corey Kluber and a pitcher to be determined.
