Mark

Lowe

Lowe didn’t pitch professionally this season after failing to make the Dodgers out of spring training. Now 35 years old, he hasn’t pitched in the majors since putting up an ugly 7.11 ERA in 54 appearances with the Tigers in 2016. He’s willing to accept a spring training invite or perhaps accept an opportunity overseas in order to pitch again.

“I’m feeling better, but I’m still aware of it,” Lowe said. “I didn’t feel anything the last time I pitched – it was the next day when I tried to play catch. I just couldn’t extend my right arm.”

We pointed out on Wednesday how Lowe had thrown 11 2/3 innings in the Mariners’ 18 games since the break. Two more on Saturday made it 13 2/3 innings in 20 games. Manager Mike Hargrove was also guilty of overusing Rafael Soriano earlier this season. It would be for the best if the Mariners get a new GM and manager prior to 2007.

Lowe hadn’t pitched in a week because of a sore elbow. Manager Mike Hargrove will probably be more careful with him the rest of the way.

Hes been a savior with Rafael Soriano sidelined. Now let’s just see how long it takes Mike Hargrove to burn him out. Lowe has worked 11 2/3 innings in the Mariners’ 18 games since the All-Star break.

Lowe threw on the side before Wednesday’s game and reported no problems.

“I was relieved to find out there was not ligament trouble,” Lowe said. “Every day it gets a little better, but if they tell me to shut it down, I will. However, I would like some peace of mind that it’s OK. I’d like to test it some before the winter, whether it’s here or in Arizona.”

One more reason manager Mike Hargrove needs to be let go in the offseason. Lowe missed six days earlier this month with a sore elbow that likely should have had him on the disabled list in the first place. He’s been overused since the day he set foot in the majors, and it might cost the Mariners a quality reliever the rest of the way.

Lowe, placed on the DL with tendinitis on Sunday, is sidelined indefinitely. It’s not going to make much sense for the Mariners to bring him back this year.

He replaces Eddie Guardado on the roster. Lowe, 23, had a 1.96 ERA in 45 1/3 innings of relief between Single-A Inland Empire and San Antonio. He’s probably not ready now to be an asset out of the pen, but he is a solid prospect. The Mariners might be on the lookout for relief help later this month.