Owings replaces Webb as Diamondbacks starter vs. Pirates

Sep 27, 2007 - 4:27 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks replaced ace Brandon Webb as Thursday's starting pitcher against the Pittsburgh Pirates with fellow righthander Micah Owings.

The Diamondbacks want to protect Webb from what might may be a lengthy rain delay.

Webb, last year's National League Cy Young award winner, is 17-10 this season with a 3.02 ERA.

Owings is 7-8 with a 4.49 ERA.

The Diamondbacks (88-70) are in first place in the National League West, one game ahead of the San Diego Padres (87-71).