Dexter Fowler Returns to Cubs' Lineup Friday Night

The Chicago Cubs will get a big boost to their lineup on Friday night as outfielder Dexter Fowler has been activated from the 15-day disabled list.

Fowler, who was dealing with a hamstring injury, will bat lead-off and play center field for the Cubs, who are taking on the lowly Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

The Cubs also made another roster move on Friday as they officially added reliever Mike Montgomery to their 25-man roster. The team acquired Montgomery in a trade on Wednesday afternoon that sent touted prospect Dan Vogelbach to the Seattle Mariners.

To make room for the two players, the Cubs optioned a pair of players to Triple-A Iowa. Outfielder Albert Almora, Jr. will head to Des Moines, as will relief pitcher Spencer Patton.

Fowler, who missed the Cubs’ last 28 games thanks to a hamstring injury, has been a huge contributor at the top of the team’s batting order. So far this season he’s hit seven home runs and driven in 28 RBI while accumulating an on-base percentage of .398 for the team.

With Fowler back in the mix, Cubs Manager Joe Maddon will have more flexibility in his lineup, with Kris Bryant likely staying in the second spot and Anthony Rizzo staying in the three-hole in the lineup.

That leaves Willson Contreras, Addison Russell, Ben Zobrist, and Jason Heyward to battle over the next four spots in the lineup as Maddon looks to find the right formula for a team that’s beginning to find its stride again after struggling without Fowler before the All-Star break.

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