Daisuke Matsuzaka
In , Bowden began the season with Pawtucket, for whom he pitched in 14 games with a 1.59 ERA. He was recalled to the Red Sox on May 17 when Daisuke Matsuzaka was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow injury. Bowden was recalled on August 27, to replace Scott Atchison. On April 15, 2012, Bowden was designated for assignment.