Michael Bowden still has a chance to develop into an effective major league pitcher, but the days of him being considered a legitimate prospect are long gone.
Bowden cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A by the Chicago Cubs. The transaction comes less than a year after the Red Sox traded Bowden to the Cubs in exchange for outfielder Marlon Byrd.
Bowden worked his way through the Red Sox organization as a starter after being drafted in the first round (47th overall) in 2005. He made his big league debut in 2008, and then went back-and-forth between the Red Sox and Triple-A Pawtucket over the next few years, serving almost entirely as a reliever at the big league level.
The 26-year-old appeared in 32 games last season (30 with the Cubs), compiling a 2.95 ERA in 39 2/3 innings. Bowden made 14 relief appearances this season, posting a 1-2 record and 3.78 ERA 16 2/3 innings. Having been outrighted before, Bowden could have opted to become a free agent, but he’ll instead join Triple-A Iowa.
Bowden was selected in 2005 as part of the compensation for the Red Sox losing Derek Lowe to free agency. He was taken five spots after Clay Buchholz, who was part of the compensation for losing Pedro Martinez to free agency.
Oh, how things work out over the years.
Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.
