Lowe designated for assignment by Rangers

ARLINGTON -- Veteran pitcher Derek Lowe was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Monday. It was a hard decision for the Rangers, especially manager Ron Washington.

"It just came down to numbers," Washington said. "Sometimes this game doesn't work for you. He's a pro and he has certainly been big in our clubhouse with our young pitching. He brings a value you can't buy. That was tough. It certainly wasn't an easy conversation."

The decision means reliever Cory Burns remains in the bullpen. He was called up on Thursday when pitcher Alexi Ogando went on the disabled list with triceps tendinitis and had two scoreless appearances during the Tigers series. But the Rangers had to move somebody to make room for Josh Lindblom, who was activated before Monday's game to replace Ogando in the rotation.

Lowe was the Rangers' long reliever. That job will likely go to Michael Kirkman until Ogando returns. At that point, the Rangers could move either Lindblom or one of their other starters into the long-relief role.

Ogando is eligible to come off the disabled list on May 31 and played catch on Monday afternoon.