Unofficially reported as early as Saturday, the New York Yankees have now officially signed right-hander Derek Lowe to a major league contract and added him to the 25-man roster, the team has announced.

The New York Yankees today announced they have signed right-handed pitcher Derek Lowe to a Major League contract and selected him to the 25-man active roster. Lowe is scheduled to join the team tonight and is expected to pitch out of the bullpen.

The 39-year-old sinker-baller began the season in the Cleveland Indians' starting rotation, but was designated for assignment then released last week after putting up a 5.52 ERA and just 3.1 K/9 in twenty-one starts.

Though Lowe has spent last decade primarily as a starter, the Yankees plan to use the sixteen-year veteran solely out of the bullpen. A powerful reliever in his early big league days, Lowe has made just two relief appearances since 2001---single outings in 2006 and 2007.

New York has optioned right-hander Ryota Igarashi to Triple-A to make room for Lowe on the roster. Acquired off of waivers at the end of May, Igarashi has made just two appearances for the Yankees, giving up four runs in three innings of work.

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Will a return to the bullpen improve Lowe's numbers?

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