Chicago Cubs To Designate Michael Bowden for Assignment

Michael Bowden could be designated for assignment tomorrow in order to make room on the active roster for Matt Garza to be activated from the disabled list. (Image Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)

With Matt Garza set to come off the disabled list and make his 2013 season debut on Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs will need to make room on the active roster and it appears that Michael Bowden could be the player moved. According to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald, the team is expected to designate Bowden for assignment sometime Monday.

Bowden’s made 14 appearances for the Cubs this season, posting a 3.78 ERA and 1.140 WHIP. While he hasn’t necessarily pitched poorly on the year, Bowden’s done little to separate himself from the rest of the bullpen options and has essentially made himself expendable. He’s bounced back and forth between the Major Leagues and Minors for much of the past six seasons, throwing 112.2 IP with a 4.47 ERA and 1.411 WHIP working mostly in relief. Originally a starter in the minor leagues, Bowden’s never been able to put up the peripheral numbers (3.5 BB/9, 6.7 K/9) to get him through a lineup more than once to justify keeping him as a rotation option.

There is no guarantee that Bowden will clear waivers once the Cubs DFA him and if he does, there’s a chance that he rejects an assignment to the minor leagues. The 26 year old could still prove to be a serviceable option somewhere and might be willing to start fresh with another organization if given the opportunity to test the open market.