Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Blue Jays Claim Infielder Ben Cowles From Cubs, Place Bowden Francis on 60-Day IL

The optionable 26-year-old offers versatile infield depth heading into spring training.

Image
Picture of a sign with the logo of Toronto Blue Jays at the entrance of Rogers Center. The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto, Ontario competing in Major League Baseball as a member club of the American League East division
Image

Overview

  • Toronto added Ben Cowles to its 40-man roster via waivers from the Cubs on February 18, corresponding with transferring RHP Bowden Francis to the 60-day injured list.
  • Cowles has not made his MLB debut and profiles as a defense-and-speed utility infielder with experience at shortstop, second base and third base.
  • In Triple-A last season, Cowles hit roughly .235 with nine home runs and a .671 OPS while stealing double-digit bases.
  • The Cubs designated Cowles for assignment after signing reliever Shelby Miller, and he retains minor-league options that give Toronto roster flexibility.
  • Manager John Schneider signaled a “big spring” for Leo Jiménez, with Cowles’ arrival intensifying competition for a reserve infield role as Francis misses 2026 following Tommy John surgery.