Chicago Cubs pitcher Rodrigo Lopez was designated for assignment on Monday to make room for newly-acquired pitcher Michael Bowden, and since he cleared waivers, he's being sent to triple-A Iowa.

Lopez clears waivers and accepts outright to AAA Iowa where he will be a starter.

— Doug Padilla (@ESPNChiCubs) April 24, 2012

Related: Cubs Transactions 2012: RHP Rodrigo Lopez Designated For Assignment, RHP Michael Bowden Added To Cubs Roster

While Lopez did start 16 games for the Cubs in 2011, he'd been coming out of the bullpen exclusively in 2012. In 6-1/3 innings or work this season, he compiled a 5.68 ERA.

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