Derek Lowe held the Marlins to two runs on six hits in six innings of work on Monday, improving to 7-10 in Atlanta's 8-5 win in Miami. He struck out three and walked three. Tonight was Lowe's first quality start in seven outings. That should tell you all you need to know about his current value in mixed leagues.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said the struggling Derek Lowe will retain his spot in the rotation. Lowe has a 7.52 ERA over his past five starts and a 4.86 mark on the season, but Gonzalez is sticking with the veteran despite having able youngsters Mike Minor and Julio Teheran at the ready. "Like any athlete that goes though some tough stretches - hitters go through it, pitchers go through it, bullpen guys go through it, and closers," Gonzalez said. "I think we're going through that a little bit like that. You ride it out." It's worth noting that Lowe went 5-0 with a 1.17 ERA last September, so perhaps he'll have another strong finish.

Derek Lowe imploded in a loss to the Nationals on Tuesday, allowing eight runs -- seven earned -- on ten hits and two walks over four innings. He gave up two homers, the killer of which was Rick Ankiel's grand slam in the fourth. Lowe is in a serious funk right now. He finished July with a 5.86 ERA over five starts and begins August even worse. The Braves weren't able to unload him at the trade deadline to open up a spot for Mike Minor or Julio Teheran because of Lowe's $15 million price tag for next season. Atlanta will have to continue to roll with the veteran through his struggles.

Derek Lowe didn't fare well against the Pirates Thursday, allowing three runs on eight hits and three walks over just five innings of work. Another poor effort from Lowe, who finishes July with a 5.86 ERA over five starts. The Braves would surely love to trade him, as Mike Minor or Julio Teheran could ably take his spot, but with a 4.52 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, not to mention a $15 million price tag for next season, the Braves' phone isn't exactly ringing off the hook. He'll try to rebound next week against the Nationals.

SI.com's Jon Heyman reports that Derek Lowe is unlikely to be traded. That's kind of what we felt all along. Lowe is due $15 million next season, which makes him an unattractive trade option given his mediocre production. With the veteran right-hander sticking around in Atlanta, Mike Minor and Julio Teheran won't be bound for the Braves rotation.

Derek Lowe surrendered four runs over five-plus innings in a loss to the Reds on Saturday. Lowe was chased after giving up three runs on five straight hits to begin the bottom of the sixth. All told, he allowed six hits while walking two, striking out one and hitting a batter. The veteran right-hander dropped to 6-8 with a 4.49 ERA over 22 starts in the loss. He'll hope to bounce back against the Pirates next week.

Derek Lowe allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a victory over the Rockies Tuesday. Lowe was his own biggest supporter, smacking a bases-loaded double in the third inning that cleared the bases and gave the Braves a 4-0 lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Lowe has won consecutive games after suffering through a nine-start winless streak. He's now 5-6 with a 4.21 ERA.

Derek Lowe pitched six innings of one-run ball against the Mariners on Wednesday to pick up his first win since May 6. Finally back in the win column. Lowe was in the midst of a nine-start winless streak, though the Braves actually went 5-4 in those games. While he has a disappointing 4-6 record, the Braves are 10-8 in his starts.

Derek Lowe was tagged for five runs in 5 2/3 innings by the Padres on Friday. Lowe has now gone nine starts without a win, though the Braves are actually 5-4 in those games. This one, though, was a big loss, as the Padres ended up scoring 11 times in all. Lowe should remain a solid enough NL-only starter the rest of the way, but he's not worth using in mixed leagues these days.