Derek Lowe got roughed up by the Brewers on Friday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks in three innings of work. All four hits were singles, but Lowe labored badly in his second spring outing, facing 14 batters across his three frames. No matter how much he labors in the Cactus League, however, the soon-to-be 39-year-old righty will begin the season in the Indians' rotation.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that Derek Lowe has "strong interest" in returning to the Red Sox as a starter or reliever once his contract expires after this season. Lowe, 38, posted an ERA north of 5.00 in 2011, but he's still extremely durable, and a rebound year in Cleveland could make him a tempting option as a back-end innings-eater. He's, of course, been a closer with the Red Sox in the past but would almost surely just be a middle reliever if he does ultimately have to settle for a bullpen role. Lowe will earn $15 million in 2012, with the Braves picking up $10 million of the tab.

Derek Lowe has been traded to the Indians, reports Jon Heyman of SI.com. No word yet on the compensation headed Atlanta's way, but the Braves will almost certainly have to pick up a portion of Lowe's $12 million salary in 2012. Lowe finished this season with a 5.15 ERA and 1.51 WHIP over 34 starts, including a 8.75 ERA over five outings in September. With Tim Hudson, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson and Brandon Beachy locks for the 2012 rotation and young starters Mike Minor, Randall Delgado and Julio Teheran prepared to battle for the fifth spot, Atlanta was motivated to move Lowe and did so quickly.

Braves general manager Frank Wren said Friday that Derek Lowe will likely not be in the starting rotation next season. "You want to put the best five starters out there," said Wren. "Right now, the way we project, I'm not sure Derek would be one of our top five starters. I'll just leave it at that." As of now, Tim Hudson, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson and Brandon Beachy look like pretty solid locks for the rotation. Meanwhile, young starters Mike Minor, Randall Delgado and Julio Teheran could compete for the fifth spot. Lowe is owed $12 million next season, so the Braves would likely have to pick up a significant portion of his contract to ship him elsewhere. Otherwise, he'll just be a ridiculously overpaid reliever.

Derek Lowe was lit up by the Phillies Tuesday, giving up five runs on six hits over just four innings. It's a predictably poor performance from a guy that's had a horrendous year and an even worse September. He held an 8.75 ERA over five outings this month, and will finish the season with a 5.15 ERA and 1.51 WHIP over 34 starts. The Braves may have no choice but to give him a start in the postseason (assuming they get there) given their injuries, but chances are it's going to be ugly.

Derek Lowe allowed three runs on six hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings on Wednesday, taking the loss in Atlanta's 4-0 setback against the Marlins. Lowe gave the Braves a quality start when they desperately needed one, but received just two hits of support. The quality outing was his first in four September starts. Lowe's final, and most important, start of the year will come on Tuesday against the Phillies. He is 1-3 with a 4.13 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in four outings against the Phillies this season.

Derek Lowe was smoked for six runs over 2 1/3 innings in a loss to the Mets on Friday night. In a word, ugly. Lowe gave up nine hits (including a two-run homer to David Wright) and a walk while striking out a pair. His ERA jumped from 4.70 to 4.94 with the poor showing. The Braves now hold a 3 1/2 game lead over the Cardinals for the Wild Card, their smallest lead since August 7.

Derek Lowe labored against the Phillies on Monday, allowing seven runs (five earned) on eight hits and four walks in five innings of a 9-0 Braves loss. Lowe's effort came as Cliff Lee tossed his sixth shutout of the season for the Phillies. Now 9-13 on the year, Lowe is the owner of a 5.37 ERA and 43/24 K/BB ratio in 55 1/3 innings since the All-Star break. He'll get the Cardinals in St. Louis this weekend.

Derek Lowe held the Nationals to one run on three hits in six innings on Wednesday, improving to 9-12 in a 3-1 Braves victory at home. He struck out six and walked two. His only real mistake of the night came in the seventh, where he allowed a leadoff home run to Mike Morse before being pulled. He'll take a 4.52 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 120/61 K/BB ratio into his Monday start against the Phillies in Philadelphia.

Derek Lowe allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and four walks in seven innings of work on Wednesday, falling to 8-12 in Atlanta's 3-2 loss to the Cubs. Lowe struck out six. He allowed all three of his runs in the second inning. The quality start was just his second in his past 10 outings, while tonight was the first time since May 17 Lowe was able to complete seven innings of work (18 starts). He'll take a 4.63 ERA and 1.46 WHIP into his Tuesday matchup with the Nationals.