The Rundown: Dexter Fowler Returns to Lineup, Strop Unavailable Due to Sore Foot, Could Be Back Saturday

After seeing Kris Bryant playing center field in Wednesday and Thursday’s games, it was nice to see him back at third last night.

That’s because regular center fielder Dexter Fowler returned to the lineup after missing only one game. He left after two innings on Wednesday with a tight groin.

Sigh of relief, as it seems Fowler is OK. He even legged out a double early in last night’s game and didn’t appear to be fighting any pain.

As much as I like watching Joe Maddon do some interesting things with the lineup, I feel a lot better having Fowler in center.

Another bullpen injury?

Pedro Strop was unavailable last night due to a sore foot, according to Mark Gonzales. It sounds like he’ll be ready to go by Saturday.

I really hope this is the case. The last thing this team needs is another injury to one of their best bullpen options.

On the bright side of things, Gonzalez Germen had another good outing in middle relief on Friday. He went 1.1 scoreless innings with two strikeouts, stranding a man at second base with only one out.

Other notes

* Jorge Soler has played in all 16 games. I’m a little surprised he hasn’t received a day off yet, considering some of the injury problems he faced last year, and how careful the Cubs were easing him back to action last September and this spring. I’d expect a day off for him soon.

* LHP James Russell picked up a save last night for Triple-A Iowa. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out four. It’s only a matter of time before we’ll be seeing him back with the Cubs.

* After Thursday night’s brawl in the White Sox/Royals game, Sox ace Chris Sale reportedly tried to enter the Kansas City clubhouse, according to Bruce Levine. Sale was unsuccessful, thankfully for everyone. The whole situation is pretty ridiculous.