Owings promoted for Saturday start

By Anthony Fenech / MLB.com | 05/20/11

PHOENIX -- After Thursday night's win, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson tabbed Micah Owings as the team's Saturday starter against the Twins.

"I know Micah's experience, and how much of a competitor he is," Gibson said Friday. "Ultimately, I think experience had a lot to do with it, and knowing what his personality was."

Owings, whose contract was selected Saturday, had a 3-1 record and 4.85 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A Reno. He recorded 27 strikeouts and nine walks in 39 innings.

"It was something we put a lot of consideration into," Gibson said. "I really leaned on the organization and the people that watch the people inside the organization for the decision."

In two seasons with Arizona, Owings started 45 games and went 14-17 with a 4.97 ERA. He was traded to the Reds in September 2008 to complete a deal for first baseman Adam Dunn, and he re-signed with the D-backs last January.

The 28-year-old was drafted by the D-backs in the third round of the 2005 MLB First-Year Player Draft, and can also swing the bat. He has a .293 batting average and nine home runs in 184 career at-bats.

In addition to selecting Owings' contract, the D-backs released infielder Russell Branyan and outrighted right-hander Armando Galarraga to Reno.