Last week the Pittsburgh Pirates designated John Bowker for assignment, making room for Xavier Paul, who was claimed from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Today, Bowker cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA.
Bowker was originally acquired at the 2010 trade deadline, along with Joe Martinez, in exchange for Javier Lopez. Martinez was designated for assignment over the off-season, and claimed by the Cleveland Indians.
Bowker will be eligible for minor league free agency at the end of the year, and it seems unlikely that he’ll rebound and make it back to Pittsburgh. Indianapolis has an outfield of Alex Presley, Andrew Lambo, and Gorkys Hernandez, leaving no room for Bowker. Bowker also wasn’t a favorite on the 25-man roster, as Clint Hurdle mentioned he was low on the depth chart at every position. Plus, Xavier Paul has been playing pretty well since being claimed, making it even more unlikely that Bowker returns as a bench player.