The Atlanta Braves are in a tough situation with Derek Lowe. They have publicly proclaimed that Lowe is their big-game pitcher. Outside of last September and October, Lowe has not pitched like a big-game pitcher. The Braves are in a pennant race trying to either gain ground on the Philadelphia Phillies or hold off the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals in the wild card. Needless to say, at this point in the year, every game is a big game for the Braves.
What they need, though, is Lowe to start performing at a high level to help get them into the playoffs. Last year, he carried them into the playoffs. They had injuries and other starters tire out. Lowe stepped up his game and went undefeated through September.
They also cannot afford to not allow Lowe to pitch. If they want to trade Lowe in this offseason and get any decent return, they cannot abandon him. They need him to show he still can pitch at a high level.
Last night, the Braves took on the Arizona Diamon...
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