La Velle Neal's Sunday Insider: Central Intelligence

The purge is on in Cleveland.

The Indians last week designated righthander Derek Lowe for assignment after the veteran went 2-9 with a 8.28 ERA over 13 starts.

"It's been two months of live BP [batting practice]," Lowe admitted.

Cleveland traded for Lowe expecting him to be the stabilizer of the rotation. He's making $15 million this season, with $10 million being paid by Atlanta.

On Friday, the Indians dumped Johnny Damon (.222 average). Shelley Duncan (.225) -- part of a horrible left field platoon with Damon -- could be next to go.

• • •

A day after the White Sox traded for Francisco Liriano, they announced that rotation fixture John Danks will need season-ending shoulder surgery. So Chicago really needs Liriano to pitch well. Liriano's presence also allows Chicago to use a six-man rotation, as lefthanders Chris Sale (10 days between starts) and Jose Quintana (eight days) are getting extended breaks.

With Jonathan Broxton traded to Cincinnati, the Royals have named Greg Holland the new closer. In 104 career games, Holland has a 3.14 ERA and has struck out 154 batters in 120 1/3 innings. "If you're a relief pitcher, at some point in your career you want that opportunity," said Holland, 26.

• • •