PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks are releasing first baseman Russell Branyan to relieve a three-man logjam at first base.
Manager Kirk Gibson said after the team’s 8-7 victory over Minnesota on Friday night that the move would be made Saturday to clear a roster spot for right-hander Micah Owings, who is being brought up from Triple-A Reno to start against the Twins on Saturday night.
The 35-year-old Branyan was one of three first basemen on the roster. His release leaves left-handed batting Juan Miranda and right-handed hitting Xavier Nady to share the spot.
Branyan made the team with a strong spring but was batting just .210 with one homer and two RBIs. Limited to mostly pinch hitting, he ended an 0-for-22 skid with a single in the 11th inning of Arizona’s 5-4 victory over Atlanta on Wednesday night.
