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The New York Yankees have signed free agent right-handed starting pitcher Derek Lowe to a contract, according to Marc Carig of The Star-Ledger. The Cleveland Indians had just released the veteran and was garnering minimal interest from teams.
Source: Yankees have acquired Derek Lowe.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) August 11, 2012
With ace pitcher CC Sabathia going on the disabled list, the Yankees needed to find another arm. Lowe will not be starting, according to Marc Carig of The Star-Ledger , instead it will be right-handed pitcher David Phelps making the move from bullpen to rotation.
Sources: Phelps starts Monday. Lowe expected to be in the bullpen by Monday
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) August 11, 2012
Lowe is certainly a curious choice for the Yankees, but he will likely only cause the team to pay the pro-rated amount of the yearly minimum salary. If Lowe can't induce the groundballs and proves to be ineffective, the team can cut ties with the 39-year-old.