Lowe keeps opening assignment in perspective

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Derek Lowe appreciated being named the Braves' opening day starter, but he also kept it in perspective.

He knew factors other than his track record, including eight shutout innings last opening day, and his veteran status went into Bobby Cox's decision to make him the starter opening day against the Chicago Cubs on April 5.

"Our situation is unique because we have so many good pitchers," Lowe said Monday. "This is more of a plan for a long haul, instead of, ‘OK, we need to pick a guy for the first game.'

"I'm definitely excited about it. It would be crazy to say you don't look forward to it. But again, it's more [about] setting guys up for the whole month."

With Jair Jurrjens recovering from a sore shoulder, Tim Hudson only seven regular-season starts removed from elbow surgery and Tommy Hanson with only one major league season under his belt, Cox and pitching coach Roger McDowell took the prudent course for pitching plans.

Lowe, despite a 4.67 ERA that was the worst among Braves rotation regulars, will get the opening start in part because the Braves weren't certain Jurrjens would be ready – they think he will be – and want to find extra rest for Hudson early.

"I don't think they're throwing me a bone here," said Lowe, who was subject of trade rumors for much of the offseason. "Like, ‘Hey, we tried to trade you. We couldn't do it, now since you're here, we're going to do this.' That's not how teams function. That's not how [Cox] functions.

"Again, this is done to help our team out. To keep everyone healthy throughout the season. I know people may not understand that by setting up the rotation in early April, it's going to help us at the end of the year. But it will. Just because of off-days and being able to give guys extra time."

Cox explained to the starters on Sunday that the move would allow the Braves to give Hudson an extra day of rest before each of his last two Grapefruit League starts and first two regular-season starts.

With Lowe starting the opener, it's also easier to adjust if Jurrjens has a setback before his regular-season debut in the second game April 7.

Jurrjens threw his first bullpen session of spring training Monday and Cox termed it pain-free and "excellent," although it only consisted of about 15 pitches per trainer's orders. Jurrjens could require at least three more bullpen sessions before pitching in a Grapefruit League game.

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