Fowler was designated for assignment by the Pirates on Thursday.
Fowler started 12 of the Pirates' first 18 games in center field but did very little with his opportunities, hitting .171/.239/.195 while striking out 43.5 percent of the time. With Anthony Alford also getting designated for assignment this week, the Pirates might slide Bryan Reynolds over to center field or turn to Ka'ai Tom, who was claimed off waivers from Oakland on Wednesday.