The Cubs have purchased the contract of right-hander Kyle McGowin from the Atlantic League’s Charleston Dirty Birds, the independent team announced (on X). According to the transaction log at MLB.com, he’s headed to Double-A Tennessee.

McGowin suited up at the MLB level for the Nationals each season between 2018-21. He made a career-high 27 appearances in 2021, pitching to a 4.20 ERA through 30 innings. Washington outrighted him off the 40-man roster at the end of that season. McGowin hasn’t pitched in the majors since then. He spent part of last season in Triple-A with the Astros, struggling to a 7.36 ERA over 62 1/3 frames in the Pacific Coast League.

The 32-year-old made a pair of impressive starts in the Atlantic League. He fanned 11 against one walk over 10 innings of four-run ball. McGowin pitched almost exclusively in relief during his MLB time with the Nats, but he has spent most of his minor league career as a starter. He owns a 5.08 ERA in parts of six Triple-A campaigns and has a managed a 4.34 mark through six years at the Double-A level.