The Cubs optioned Cowles to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.
Cowles was jettisoned from Chicago's 40-man roster last September and again at the beginning of spring training, but each time he's ended up reuniting with the Cubs after being claimed and waived by another team. Now back on the 40-man, at least for now, the 26-year-old is expected to handle an everyday role in Iowa to begin the season and could receive his first big-league call-up if the Cubs require an extra infielder at any point.