The Padres have released relief pitcher Micah Owings, the club announced Tuesday.
Owings appeared in just six games for the Padres in 2012, allowing four runs (three earned) in 9.2 innings, striking out seven against five walks before a strained right forearm sent him to the disabled list.
The injury sparked a decision to attempt a comeback as a position player. Owings was always more fascinating for his ability to hit than his talent as a pitcher -- he hit .333/.349/.683 with four home runs and seven doubles with Arizona as a rookie and owns a .283/.310/.502 career line in 219 plate appearances. He was often used as a pinch hitter on off-days or used as a multi-inning reliever as he struggled to succeed as a starter the next few seasons (he posted ERAs over 5.00 from 2008-2010).
Owings only took nine plate appearances in six games for Triple-A Tucson as a Padre, going 4-for-9 with a double. The flexibility Owings' talent would give to a roster must appeal to some managers -- a bench bat with the ability to take pressure off the bullpen in the right situation -- but at 30 years old, the multi-talented Owings may be running out of time to make a successful comeback.
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