Owings getting the job done out of the bullpen

By Anthony Fenech / MLB.com | 06/04/11

PHOENIX -- In his second stint with the D-backs, Micah Owings is excelling in a relief role.

"I feel good," Owings said. "I just throw the best I can whenever I get the opportunity to get out there in whatever the situation is."

Owings made his season debut in a starting role on May 21 against the Twins, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing three runs on seven hits.

He made a second start five days later, earning his first victory of the season by beating the Rockies, but was bumped from the rotation when Zach Duke returned from injury.

In three relief appearances since, Owings has pitched four scoreless innings, allowing only one hit.

"He's pitched great," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said. "He's deceiving, and in the bullpen role he's been in, he's gotten better and better."

Owings last pitched on Thursday and struck out three over two innings.

"He just mowed them down," Gibson said.

The 28-year-old said consistency on the mound has been his primary focus.

"I know that's how I can help the team," he said. "Consistency and control. I've never really bought into speeds and radar guns and things like that."