John Bowker Traded to Phillies

John Bowker has been dealt from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia for a player to be named later or cash considerations.  The Phillies were able to swing the trade, targeted to add depth to their bench, just before Wednesday’s waiver trade deadline.  Michael Schwimer has been designated by Philadelphia to make room for Bowker.

Bowker will provide Philadelphia with the left-handed bat they’ve been coveting for their bench.  The Phillies had their eyes on Jim Thome before he was traded to the Indians.  Ross Gload’s hip injury and today’s deadline seemed to intensify the Phils’ search.

Bowker was only with the Pirates for 19 games this season, batting .235/.316/.294 over that span.  The 28 year old has spent much of the year with Pittsburgh’s Triple-A affiliate.  In 106 games in the Minors, Bowker hit at a clip of .306/.348/.482 with 15 home runs, 27 doubles and 76 RBI’s.

Over the 4 years he’s spent in the Majors, Bowker has covered first base and each of the outfield corners.  But, most of Bowker’s big league experience has come as a pinch hitter, and he’s done quite well in that position.  Coming off the bench, Bowker is a career .301 hitter.

It will be interesting to see how the addition of Bowker impacts the Phillies playoff roster.  He will immediately join the Phils’ bench and have a chance to prove his value over this last month of the season.

It’s known that manager Charlie Manuel has said he would like to see top prospect Domonic Brown added back to the roster for the postseason because of versatility he offers.  We’ll see if Bowker is able to change Charlie’s mind and stick with the Phils through the playoffs.

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