Orioles release LHP Loewen

Oct 20, 2008 - 9:40 PM BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- The Baltimore Orioles on Monday released pitcher Adam Loewen.

The move was not a surprise. Loewen announced in late July that he was giving up pitching and would begin making the transition to becoming a position player after sustaining a fracture in his left elbow.

It was a recurrence of a similar injury that ended Loewen's season in 2007. The lefthander was told in July that another surgery would sideline him for 1 1/2 years.

Loewen fractured his elbow during his last relief appearance on July 6 against the Texas Rangers. Renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews inserted a screw in Loewen's elbow last year, which allowed him to eventually return to the mound.

But Loewen went back on the disabled list earlier this year with soreness in the elbow and forearm area.

In July, Loewen said the injury does not affect him when swinging the bat.

The 24-year-old Loewen is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Rick Ankiel, a former pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals who has made a successful conversion from the mound to the outfield.

Drafted fourth overall in 2002, Loewen went 0-2 with an 8.02 ERA in seven games - four starts - this season. He owns a career mark of 8-8 with a 5.38 ERA in 35 career contests, including six relief appearances.

Also on Monday, Baltimore outrighted pitchers Randor Bierd and Rocky Cherry, infielder Brandon Fahey, outfielder Jeff Fiorentino and catch Omir Santos to Class AAA Norfolk.