Rob Mackowiak, 31, was acquired by the Padres from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league right-hander Jon Link on July 31, 2007. Appearing in 28 games for San Diego, Mackowiak batted .196 (11-for-56) with three doubles, two RBI and six runs scored. He made 14 appearances in the outfield, including 11 starts before undergoing season-ending surgery on a double sports hernia on September 26. In 113 combined games with Chicago and San Diego, Mackowiak finished with a .263 average (77-for-293) with 14 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 38 RBI, 40 runs scored, 26 walks and four stolen bases.
Over parts of seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2001-2005), White Sox (2006-2007) and Padres (2007), Mackowiak has batted .262 (596-for-2,275) with 110 doubles, 18 triples, 63 home runs, 282 RBI, 300 runs scored and 49 stolen bases in 818 Major League games.