Mariners' Mark Lowe to Have Second Surgery

Seattle Mariners reliever Mark Lowe will have arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow next week, pushing a potential return back to June or July.

Lowe, 23, was penciled in to be the Mariners' future setup man for closer J.J. Putz, until Lowe was placed on the DL Aug. 20th with what doctors feared to be tendinitis of the elbow.

He then had holes drilled into his elbow in October to regenerate cartilage, and an MRI last week showed the regeneration went well. His second surgery is to make sure all is well structurally with the joint.

Manager Mike Hargrove said last week he wasn't counting on Lowe pitching for Seattle this season, but did not rule out a possible midseason return. In 18.2 innings with the Mariners last season, the youngster went 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA, fanning 20 batters and walking nine.

[Sports Illustrated]