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Derek Lowe Not Ready to Retire, Still Hopes to Crack a Team’s Rotation

Derek Lowe will turn 40 this season, but he’s hardly ready to call it a career.

Lowe recently told The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo that he intends to pitch in 2013, although all five teams that he’s heard from this offseason would like to use the right-hander as a swingman. That’s a role that Lowe isn’t exactly looking forward to.

“I’ve heard the same thing from everyone,” Lowe reportedly said. “I want to be a starter and feel I have a lot left in being a regular starter in a rotation and making my 30-plus starts. I can still do that. It’s frustrating to see other starters who have come off injuries get a shot, and I’ve never been hurt and can still help a team. I’m sure things will get going for me in January. I want to pitch. I’m nowhere near ready to retire.”

Lowe is coming off back-to-back subpar campaigns. He went 9-11 with a 5.11 ERA in 38 appearances (21 starts) last season, which ended with him donning pinstripes in the Bronx.  There’s no doubt the righty has a track record that could make him appealing to some teams, but it remains to be seen whether someone is willing to give him the ball every fifth day.

Lowe, a two-time All-Star, is 5-7 with a 3.42 ERA in 26 postseason appearances (12 starts).