The Cleveland Indians took on part of the final year of Derek Lowe's four-year, $60 million deal that he had signed with the Atlanta Braves before the 2009 season ($5 million of the $15 million due him) in a trade that sent a minor leaguer to Atlanta, despite the fact that Lowe had led the National League in losses and had the second-worst ERA and third-worst ERA+ in 2011.

They hoped to squeeze one last decent year out of him. It didn't work; Lowe ranks second-worst in ERA+ and third-worst in ERA in the American League this season and has had more walks (45) than strikeouts (41) in 119 innings.

Late Wednesday, the Indians finally gave up on Lowe. Paul Hoynes:

Lowe, 39, was dropped to make room for rookie right-hander Corey Kluber, who will face face Kansas City on Thursday night in his first big-league start. Lowe used to be one of the best closers in the American League, but the Indians decided against putting him in the pen — which is getting overcrowded with starters.

Lowe spent three years as Red Sox closer, posting 85 saves, and later had a 21-win season for Boston in 2002 in which he finished third in Cy Young voting; he also has a World Series ring (Boston, 2004). It's likely the end of Lowe's career, in which he pitched in seven postseasons.

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