John Bowker Released by Philadelphia Phillies, Utility Man Will Play in Japan

According to the Philadelphia Phillies' Twitter account, utility man John Bowker has been released by the club so he can "pursue an opportunity with a professional team in Japan."

Bowker, 27, played in a total of 12 games for the Phillies in 2011, pinch-hitting and playing first base and right field. He went 0-for-12 at the plate for Philadelphia, striking out in seven of his 13 plate appearances. Bowker joins relief pitcher Scott Mathieson as the second player from the organization to be released to play in Japan. Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly had previously reported that Bowker was drawing interest from the Yomiuri Giants, who signed Mathieson in December.

The most important part of this release, though, is the fact that it clears a space on the club's 40-man roster. With speculation that the Phillies may go after another relief pitcher (Kerry Wood and Jeremy Accardo have been mentioned as options), the Phillies needed to clear a spot on the roster, and by releasing Bowker they did not have to send a player through waivers.

With third baseman Carlos Rivero already being snatched up from waivers by the Nationals (he was waived to the minor leagues after the Jimmy Rollins signing), it was obvious that the Phillies did not want to chance losing another prospect.

Will this move lead to another signing? Feel free to leave your opinion in the comments section.