Padres decline Mackowiak's $3.25 million option for 2008

SAN DIEGO (AP) -The San Diego Padres declined outfielder Rob Mackowiak's $3.25 million option for next season, making him eligible to become a free agent.

The Padres chose instead to pay a $300,000 buyout.

Mackowiak was acquired from the Chicago White Sox on July 31 for minor league right-hander Jon Link. Mackowiak played in 28 games with San Diego, batting .196 with two RBIs.

He made 14 appearances in the outfield, including 11 starts before undergoing season-ending surgery on a double sports hernia on Sept. 26.

Mackowiak's salary was $2.75 million this year.