Astros rumors: Teams expressing interest in Jed Lowrie

Teams have expressed interest in Houston Astros shortstop Jed Lowrie, but the team is intent on keeping him "unless they are completely overwhelmed," reports Buster Olney of ESPN.

The Astros acquired Lowrie last winter from the Boston Red Sox along with right-hander Kyle Weiland in exchange for late-inning reliever Mark Melancon.

Lowrie got off to a hot start with the Astros, hitting .261/.347/.486 through the month of June. He then sustained an injury, something he’s become known for, in July and wasn’t able to return until Sept. He wasn’t the same player at the end of the year, as his season totals were pulled down to .244/.331/.438 with 18 doubles and 16 home runs over 340 at-bats.

Given the lack of shortstops available on the free agent market this winter, it’s not surprising to see teams checking in on less obvious players such as Lowrie that could perhaps be pried away from their current clubs. It’s also not surprising to see the Astros take the ‘overwhelm us’ stance.