loewen began to develop control problems during spring training, where he led the majors in walks, with 19 in just over 16 innings. his lack of control did not cease during the early stages of the regular season, and after experiencing soreness in his left arm throughout april, loewen was placed on the disabled list and missed the next two months of the season. although he was subsequently converted into a relief pitcher when he returned in july, he experienced a sharp pain in his surgically repaired elbow. this injury, diagnosed as a stress fracture, eventually caused him to prematurely end his season. loewen announced on july 19 that he would no longer be a pitcher due to his chronic injuries, and that he would convert to an outfielder/first baseman. he temporarily ended his pitching career with a lifetime 8–8 record, with an earned run average of 5.38 and 134 strikeouts; he would return to pitching in 2014, as recounted below.