Marlins, Owings agree on Minor League deal
Veteran righty, who had been converted to outfielder, will be used as pitcher by Miami
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Marlins are adding a power-hitting pitcher to their system.
Micah Owings, who had attempted to convert to an outfielder, has agreed to terms on a Minor League contract with the Marlins, who plan on using him as a pitcher.
The 31-year-old broke in with the D-Backs as a starter in 2007, and more recently he has pitched out of the bullpen.
Owings will start off at extended Spring Training in Jupiter, and when he is ready, he will join Triple-A New Orleans.
As a pitcher, Owings is 32-33 with a 4.86 ERA in 138 games with 68 starts. But it has been his offense that has made him intriguing. Against big league pitching, Owings is a .283 hitter with nine home runs and 35 RBIs.
In 2013, Owings experimented playing outfield in the Brewers' and Nationals' systems, and he showed power, combining for nine home runs. Owings has pitched for the D-backs, Reds and Padres.
The Marlins have talked about the importance of versatility in the National League. Perhaps sometime during the season, Owings can offer depth at the big league level with his arm and his bat.