The Phillies final splash (albeit a tiny ripple) of last season’s trade market is no longer with the team.
Left-handed hitting outfielder John Bowker was released by the Phillies Tuesday so he can pursue playing in Japan, the team said.
The move is reminiscent of when the Phils let pitcher Scott Mathieson go the same route earlier this offseason.
But let’s talk about Bowker’s legacy. Fans likely will forget he ever played for the Phightins considering he only appeared in 12 games after being acquired on August 29 just before the end of the waiver trade deadline.
I however will always remember Bowker, 28, for what he didn’t do in Philly rather than what he did do on the field.
After being acquired to serve as some left-handed pop off the pine, Bowker went 0-fer the Phillies going a pathetic 0 for 13 with seven strikeouts (terrible enough for a minus-.100 OPS+) while with the Phils.
Ouch, the dude never even reached first base! Let's wish him better success overseas.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
In any case, by releasing Bowker, the Phillies freed up a spot on the 40-man roster -- a spot that could be used to sign a veteran right-handed reliever.
