According to multiple reports, the Cubs made to roster moves on Thursday. As expected, Brooks Raley was optioned to Triple-A Iowa after pitching 4 1/3 innings in relief in Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Angels.
The Cubs purchased the contract of Michael Bowden from Triple-A Iowa and called him up to take Raley’s spot on the active roster. With the addition of Michael Bowden, the Cubs 40-man roster now stands at 39 players.
The Cubs designated Michael Bowden for assignment on May 21 after posting a 1-2 record in 14 relief appearances with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. Bowden began the season with the Cubs and in 16 2/3 innings, surrendered 14 hits, struck out seven and walked five batters.
Bowden accepted his assignment to Triple-A Iowa in May. In 13 games out of the I-Cubs’ pen, Bowden allowed 14 hits with three walks and 28 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings (2.41 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP).
Michael Bowden’s Page on Baseball-Reference
With Raley being unavailable to pitch in the last four games of the first half, the Cubs used the extra roster spot on the 40-man roster to bring up a reliever.