Sep 9, 2002 2 min read

PITTSBURGH (AP) – The Pittsburgh Pirates released right-handed reliever Sean Lowe on Sunday. Lowe got one out in Pittsburgh’s 11-1 loss to the Florida Marlins on Sunday, allowing two hits and a run while allowing two inherited runners to score.

Lowe was 4-2 with a 5.35 ERA in 43 games this season, including one start. He was released even though roster space is not an issue in September and the Pirates are still obligated to pay all of his $950,000 contract.

“Looking at the number of guys we have and the number of games we have left, I just didn’t see many opportunities for him to pitch the rest of the way,” general manager Dave Littlefield said.

The Pirates are currently carrying 10 relief pitchers.

Lowe, 31, was acquired from the Chicago White Sox along with starters Kip Wells and Josh Fogg in a Dec. 13 deal that sent pitcher Todd Ritchie and minor league catcher Lee Evans to the White Sox.

The Pirates considered Lowe for the starting rotation, but Fogg beat him out for that spot in spring training. Lowe then pitched in middle relief.

He was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Aug. 10 and started five games there. He was 1-1 with a 5.24 ERA. Lowe came back to Pittsburgh when rosters expanded Sept. 1.

“We just didn’t see any improvement,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “I never was able to figure it out because he had a pretty good track record in Chicago.”

Lowe, who declined comment, was 17-6 with a 4.44 ERA and three saves in three seasons with the White Sox.