Levine: Dexter Fowler Eager To Return, Help Cubs Turn Slide Around
By Bruce Levine--
CHICAGO (CBS) – Out since June 20 with a hamstring strain, center fielder Dexter Fowler is close to rejoining the Cubs' lineup.
The team could really use its lead-off man back, as the Cubs are 4-10 since Fowler went on the disabled list. On June 19, they had their largest division lead of the season at 12.5 games but since that time have seen the Cardinals pick up 4.5 games in the standings.
Fowler did some intense running Monday morning and pronounced himself close to being ready.
"I still have it in my mind that it's not going to be 100 percent for a while," Fowler said. "That is the case in all injuries. It is getting better every day, which is good."
The chance of playing in the All-Star Game and leading off for the National League looms large for Fowler. The final vote and starters will be named Tuesday evening, and Fowler was in the lead all the way for center fielders. The All-Star Game is July 12 in San Diego.
Fowler will have to go on a two-game rehab sometime soon to get ready to return to everyday duty. Then he would rejoin his teammates.
"Hopefully, we can turn it back around," he said." We hit a buzzsaw out there (a 4-7 road trip). I was watching it on TV. I watched every pitch. I am kind of frustrated I can't be out there playing. My goal is to get better each and every day."
Fowler had a sensational first two months of the season, then slumped in June. He was hitting .290 with seven home runs and 28 RBIs when he went down with the leg injury.
"I just try to go do my job each day," Fowler said. "It sucks that the guys are missing me. Trust me, I miss the guys more than they are missing me."
Cubs manager Joe Maddon still isn't sure when Fowler will go on rehab.
"I just talked to (the trainer) about that yesterday," Maddon said. "It is not impossible to think it could be by the end of the week. It is still a day-to-day thing. It is getting better. He is feeling well. Obviously he is motivated to play in the All-Star Game. We will play this out, but there is no definitive in game strategy right now."
