Sox shortstop Jed Lowrie, who drilled a two-run single in the eighth inning on Monday against the Mariners, was wanted by the Nationals in trade discussions.

AP / Ted S. Warren

SEATTLE — Not that they needed reminding, but just in case, the Red Sox were recently reminded of the extraordinary cost for pitching help as the non-trading deadline draws closer.

The Red Sox had discussions with the Washington Nationals for reliever Jon Rauch, who was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks yesterday.

The reason the deal never gained any traction from the Red Sox’ standpoint was the Nationals’ asking price. When the Sox inquired about Rauch, who would have been a nice power arm to add to the Sox bullpen, they were told Pawtucket right-hander Michael Bowden and shortstop Jed Lowrie had to be in the deal.

Rauch, the tallest pitcher in the big leagues at 6-foot-11, is signed through the 2009 season, making him doubly attractive to the Sox. But the notion of dealing off Lowrie, the last night’s starting shortstop and perhaps the future, and Bowden, the team’s best pitching prospect, proved to be a non-starter.

Rauch was shipped to the Diamondbacks for infield prospect Emilio Bonafacio. Bonafacio had been scouted and signed by Mike Rizzo when the latter was the Diamondbacks director of scouting.

Rizzo is now the Nationals’ assistant GM under general manager Jim Bowden.

Sluggish beginnings

It’s been a slow start for the second half of the season for three position players for the Sox.

Coco Crisp snapped an 0-for-21 skid with a single in the eighth inning Monday night, and through he drew three walks, has just that one hit in eight post-All Star break at-bats.

J.D. Drew, who was the American League Player of the Month for June, isn’t about to win the award for July. Drew went into last night with only one hit in 15 at-bats since the second half resumed. In July, Drew was hitting only .231 with one homer and six RBI. He added to those numbers with a solo shot in the first inning last night.

Finally, there was third baseman Mike Lowell, who started last night with only one hit in his last 18 at-bats. He had been hitless for a period of 15 at-bats before he singled Sunday in the third inning against the Angels.

Manager Terry Francona, without offering specifics, said that Lowell was “pretty beat up. It just happens. It’s hard to figure out (hitting slumps) sometimes.”

It’s possible that Lowell could get a day off today when the Sox close out the trip. Francona could shift Kevin Youkilis to third and have Sean Casey start against right-hander Felix Hernandez.

Starters named

The pitching matchups for the Yankee series have been announced.

In the series opener on Friday, Josh Beckett (9-6, 3.98) will face Joba Chamberlain (2-3, 2.52). On Saturday, Tim Wakefield (6-7, 3.69) draws Andy Pettitte (11-7, 3.86). In the series finale Sunday night, Jon Lester goes against Sidney Ponson (6-1, 4.02).

A lineup change

The only lineup change last night involved the batting order, with Crisp dropped to the ninth spot and Lowrie elevated to seventh. Francona was worried about having a cold hitter behind Youkilis and chose Lowrie, who has been having good at-bats on the trip.

smcadam@projo.com