The Padres have requested unconditional release waivers on Jason Bartlett.

Bartlett hasn't played since May 14 due to a strained right knee. The Padres will be on the hook for the remainder of his contract, which includes a $1.5 million buyout on his $5.5 million club option for 2013.

Dan Hayes of the North County Times writes that the Padres have "made it clear the shortstop position is (Everth) Cabrera's to win."

Jason Bartlett (knee) was placed on the DL Thursday, and he'll likely slide into a backup role when he returns or possibly follow Orland Hudson to the unemployment line. "It wasn't working here," general manager Josh Byrnes said. "(The move) wasn't motivated by money, it was motivated by trying someone new to see if we can get better performance. Obviously our record is not what we want. This particular move is to see if these guys can give us a shot in the arm. Jason understands these guys are coming up and there's no guarantee of a job waiting on the other side. That's just the way we're set up now."

Jason Bartlett went 2-for-3 with an RBI single and a two-run homer Thursday against the Cubs.

The light-hitting shortstop took Cubs starter Chris Volstad deep in his first at-bats. Bartlett is batting .297 this spring with four extra-base hits. He'll bring some fantasy value to the table this year with his ability to swipe a bag, but he won't do much else.