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Report: O's Loewen to change from pitcher to fielder

Sat 19th, July 2008

Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Adam Loewen will apparently attempt to restart his career by becoming a position player.

The Baltimore Sun reported Saturday that Loewen, faced with the prospect of another surgery and more rehabilitation on his chronically-injured left elbow, decided to end his pitching career.

Loewen was 0-2 with an 8.02 earned-run average in seven games for Baltimore this season. He has made two separate stints on the DL already this season. His last time on the shelf, which came on July 8, was necessary after he re- injured a stress fracture in the ailing elbow during a relief appearance.

According to the paper, Loewen was told that any further repairs to fix the problem would prevent him from returning to the mound for up to a year and a half.

A native of British Columbia, Loewen compiled an 8-8 record with a 5.38 ERA in 35 games (29 starts) for the Orioles over parts of the last three seasons. He missed virtually all of last year after left elbow surgery. That procedure, performed by renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews, involved placing a screw in the elbow, and allowed Loewen to resume pitching this season.

Since the club gave him a major-league deal, Loewen would have to clear waivers before heading to the minors to re-establish himself. The Orioles are expected to wait until the end of this season before terminating his contract and assigning him elsewhere.

The move has some precedent. Infamously-wild former St. Louis Cardinals hurler Rick Ankiel resurrected his own career following multiple arm procedures, and has landed a starting outfield job with the club.