BALTIMORE -- The Cleveland Indians placed right-hander Zach McAllister on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a lower back strain.

The right-hander is 3-4 with a 5.89 ERA in 10 starts with Cleveland this season.

"I think he is going to be OK," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "But I don't think (him pitching) has been helping, and we don't have the ability right now to push him back.

"So we put him on the DL to let things simmer down and then we'll get him going again."

Cleveland also recalled left-hander T.J. House from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday and purchased the contract of right-hander Mark Lowe from the same minor league club.

In addition, the Indians optioned left-hander Kyle Crockett to Columbus and transferred outfielder Nyjer Morgan from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL.

House, 24, made his big league debut Saturday with the Indians, pitched a scoreless inning and was sent back to the minors Monday.

Now he's back, and House is expected to get his first big league start Friday night against the Orioles.

"It is really exciting. I got to make my first appearance at home on Saturday," he said. "That was fun. I kind of got that first time out of the way. Even though this is technically my first start in the major leagues, I will be little more relaxed."

Lowe, 30, is fourth in the International League with eight saves. He broke into the majors with Seattle in 2006 and has not pitched in the majors this season.

"I've been pretty consistent since spring training," Lowe said. "I have been throwing the ball better than I have the last few years. It's been a long road back, and I am excited for the opportunity."

After appearing in only 11 games with the Los Angeles Angels last year, Lowe was careful not to raise his own expectations at Columbus.

"You never expect anything when you're at Triple-A," he said. "That could just lead to disappointment later on."