Padres Release James Darnell

FRIDAY: The Padres announced the unconditional release of Darnell and he could re-sign with the club, according to MLB.com's Corey Brock (via Twitter).

WEDNESDAY: The Padres have requested release waivers on Darnell, according to MLB.com's Corey Brock, who confirms that Darnell is done for the season due to his injured shoulder. Brock expects the team to attempt to re-sign Darnell to a minor league contract if he goes unclaimed (Twitter links).

JUNE 14th: The Padres have officially announced the acquisition of Pedro Ciriaco and designated James Darnell for assignment to clear a space on the team's 40-man roster (Twitter link).

Darnell, 26, has appeared in 25 games for the Padres and compiled a .226/.300/.371 batting line in 71 plate appearances. In parts of three seasons at the Triple-A level, Darnell is a .260/.341/.441 hitter.

The 2008 second-rounder ranked as the game's No. 90 prospect prior to the 2010 season, according to Baseball America. However, as Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported in late May, Darnell dislocated his left shoulder, which could result in the third left shoulder surgery of his young career. Center called the injury "career threatening."