The Padres announced that they have requested unconditional release waivers on Jorge Cantu, who was designated for assignment last Thursday. In related moves, the team designated Luis Durango for assignment, optioned Wade LeBlanc to the minor leagues, placed Brad Hawpe on the 15-day DL, recalled Kyle Phillips and promoted Josh Spence.
Cantu hit .194/.232/285 in 155 plate appearances this year, playing some first, second and third. The 29-year-old signed with the Padres in January, but was unable to reverse the offensive struggles that intensified last year. Cantu had a .788 OPS as recently as 2009, but he has just a .223/.260/.312 line in 382 plate appearances over the course of the last calendar year.
