Rangers' Lowe still hopeful of pitching playoffs

The availability of Rangers reliever Mark Lowe for the playoffs is very much in doubt because of a partial tear in his left hamstring. Lowe says he's disappointed but not giving up on the idea of pitching in the American League championship series or World Series if the AL West-leading Rangers advance past the first round of the playoffs. Manager Ron Washington said Friday that Lowe is ''gone for a while.'' Lowe returned to Arlington early Thursday ahead of the team to be examined by team physician Dr. Keith Meister. The right-hander got hurt running sprints during warmups before Wednesday's game in Oakland. Meister determined that Lowe has a Grade 2 strain.