Washington, DC (Sports Network) - The Washington Nationals have signed first baseman Micah Owings to a minor league contract and invited the erstwhile pitcher to spring training.

Owings has always been an above-average hitter for a hurler, as evidenced by his career .283 batting average. In 205 at-bats, he has clubbed nine home runs and 14 doubles while driving in 35 runs.

On the mound, the right-hander has compiled a 32-33 record with a 4.86 ERA in 138 career games (68 starts) with Arizona, Cincinnati and San Diego.

Owings was limited to just six appearances with the Padres last season due to an elbow injury that required surgery. He went 0-2 with a 2.79 ERA.

02/06 11:52:30 ET