The Padres have requested unconditional release waivers on shortstop Jason Bartlett, the club announced Monday.

Bartlett's 2012 season was an unmitigated disaster. In 29 games, the 32-year-old manged just a .133/.240/.193 line (25 OPS+) with just five extra base hits and 27 strikeouts. On May 17 he hit the disabled list with a strained right knee and has yet to return -- the Padres shifted him to the 60-day DL on June 7.

Bartlett is in the final season of a two-year, $11 million contract with San Diego. Due to the knee injury, he fell far short of the 432 plate appearances necessary to force a $5.5 million option to vest for the 2013 season.

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