He was dealt along with Tito Fuentes from the Giants to the Padres for Derrel Thomas at the Winter Meetings on December 6, 1974.

He posted a 2.92 ERA, along with an 11-4 record, 89 strikeouts, 52 walks and 16 saves in 123.3 innings of work.

With a 0–0 record, a 5.87 ERA and having given up 27 hits in 22+2⁄3 innings in 17 appearances to start the 1977 season,[2] Metzger was traded from the Padres to the Cardinals for John D'Acquisto and Pat Scanlon on May 17, 1977.

His contract was subsequently purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies on July 4, 1978 and he was sent back to the minors.

Metzger never made it back to the major league level and was released by the Phillies on March 19, 1979.