The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired outfielder John Bowker in a minor trade with the San Francisco Giants. He will join the Indianapolis Indians. You may remember Bowker as one of the guys acquired from the Giants a few years ago, along with Joe Martinez, in exchange for left-hander Javier Lopez.
Bowker has 622 plate appearances in the majors, with a .232/.283/.382 line. He had a .685 OPS with the Pirates in 96 plate appearances between 2010 and 2011. This year he had a .263/.304/.372 line in 148 plate appearances.
No word yet on the return in the deal or any corresponding moves, but Ryan Palencer reports that Bowker is currently taking batting practice with the Indians.
Update 6:52 PM: First baseman Hunter Morris has been placed on the disabled list to make room for Bowker.