"When I was warming up, I started thinking about how long it had been since I've been out there in competition," he said. "It was nice to get back out there and compete."

The Arizona Diamondbacks shut Owings down in late July due to a shoulder injury. He subsequent went to Cincinnati as part of the Adam Dunn trade, but he did nothing but pinch-hit for the Reds.

"Everything felt good for the first time -- my arm felt good, which is the most important thing," Owings said. "I was able to pitch an inning and then go back out.

"After not pitching for so long and doing all the rehab, you are a little unsure going back out. I've never had an arm issue, but I was fine."