Cubs manager Dale Sveum confirmed Thursday that right-hander Michael Bowden will have a bullpen spot. Bowden has posted a cool 2.16 ERA through 8 1/3 innings this spring. He will operate in a middle relief role.

Michael Bowden is currently stretching himself out in the Dominican Republic, with the goal of competing for a spot in the Cubs rotation in spring training. The former first round pick of the Red Sox pitched well out of the bullpen in 2012, posting a 2.95 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 32/17 K/BB ratio over 39 2/3 innings. He's shown success as a starter at the Triple-A level and has a legitimate shot at earning one of the Cubs final rotation spots.

Cubs purchased the contract of RHP Michael Bowden from Triple-A Iowa. Bowden posted a 6.39 ERA and 11/6 K/BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings with the Cubs earlier this season and figures to pitch in middle relief. Brooks Raley was sent down to the minors in a corresponding roster move.

Cubs sent RHP Michael Bowden outright to Triple-A Iowa. Bowden cleared waivers after being designated for assignment late last week. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 6.39 and 11/6 K/BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings at the big league level this season.

Cubs designated RHP Michael Bowden for assignment. Bowden failed to impress in 12 games since being acquire for Marlon Byrd, posting a 6.39 ERA and 1.74 WHIP. That said, he's just 25, so another team might scoop him up off waivers.

Cubs acquired RHP Michael Bowden and a player to be named later from the Red Sox for OF Marlon Byrd. Bowden was designated for assignment by the Red Sox earlier this month after being used for just two relief appearances in eight big league games. The 25-year-old right-hander is doubtful to suddenly find it in Chicago, but he does have youth on his side.

Red Sox designated RHP Michael Bowden for assignment. Bowden, 25, is out of options and will be exposed to the waivers process. He made just two appearances in eight games with the Red Sox this season.

Michael Bowden got four outs on Saturday and has pitched five scoreless innings this spring. There's no guarantee that Bowden will make the Red Sox, but since he's out of options and having a strong spring, he figures to be in some team's bullpen come Opening Day. He's struck out six and walked none so far.

Red Sox recalled RHP Michael Bowden from Triple-A Pawtucket. He'll provide an extra relief arm after the Red Sox needed five innings from the bullpen Friday (though one of those came from Darnell McDonald). Bowden has given up just one run in his six appearances this year for the Sox.

Red Sox optioned RHP Michael Bowden to Triple-A Pawtucket. Bowden made five appearances during his latest call-up, allowing just one run while striking out one and walking two in five innings of work. He'll be back at some point later this summer.