MLB Trade Rumors: Derek Lowe Leaving Atlanta Braves for Detroit Tigers?

The Atlanta Braves have a five-game lead in the National League wild-card race, and trail the Philadelphia Phillies by a scant three-and-a-half games in the National League East, but they may be open to dealing a prominent member of their starting rotation before the July 31st trade deadline.

According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com, the Detroit Tigers have approached the Braves about acquiring veteran right-hander Derek Lowe. And Atlanta’s front office may be ready to listen.

The Braves have one of the better rotations in the majors and possess considerable pitching depth in the minor leagues. They can probably get rid of Lowe, who has registered a less-than-inspiring 4.30 ERA in 20 starts this season, and get similar production from Julio Teheran or Mike Minor down the stretch.

Atlanta’s preference is to acquire a major league-ready, right-handed hitting outfielder by the deadline, but Morosi says the organization may be content with dumping salary and merely netting young talent in a deal involving Lowe.

Lowe, 38, is making a stout $15 million this season and is owed yet another $15 million in 2012.

Lowe's ample playoff experience and steady presence in the rotation could prove invaluable should the Braves make the playoffs, which seems highly likely, so it is going to be an aggressive (and risky) move if the front office chooses to go down this road.

Detroit has never been afraid to take a risk, or soak up a bad contract, for that matter, so the ball is clearly in Atlanta's court from here on out.

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