Dexter Fowler had an excellent first half to the season before a right hamstring injury landed him on the disabled list on June 20. Fowler was voted by the fans as the starting centerfielder for the NL All-Star team, one of five Cubs to start the Midsummer Classic.
Fowler started a rehab assignment on Friday with the South Bend Cubs. The plan was for Fowler to play a couple of rehab games, participate in the All-Star Game and be ready to go for the Cubs on Friday when the season resumed at Wrigley Field against the Rangers.
Dexter Fowler has decided not to play in the All-Star Game. According to multiple reports, Fowler did not have a setback in his rehab from the right hamstring injury that is apparently much worse than the initial reports indicated.
The Cubs said Saturday that his rehab is going well but Fowler does not want to rush back and risk the injury lingering throughout the second half. Fowler feels he needs more time before he will be ready to play again.
Fowler will not play for the South Bend Cubs on Saturday night as scheduled.
According to Carrie Muskat, Fowler will resume his rehab after the All-Star break. The Cubs have not given a timetable on when he will return from the disabled list.
Dexter Fowler will join his teammates in San Diego to take part in the festivities and will be introduced on the field before the game. Starling Marte (Pirates) and Jay Bruce (Reds) have been named as replacements on the National League roster for Fowler and Yoenis Cespedes.
In 64 games this season, Dexter Fowler hit .290/.398/.483 with 19 doubles, three triples and seven home runs for a .881 OPS.
Fowler told Carrie Muskat he did not have a setback. He just needs more time. “I think my health is more important. You want to be smart about it.”
As Dexter Fowler goes, the Cubs go. And it’s obvious that Joe Maddon needs him back at the top of his lineup.