Chicago Cubs: Playing both sides of the historic rivalry

Apr 2, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) is congratulated by right fielder Ben Zobrist (18) and center fielder Jason Heyward (22) after hitting a three run home run off St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Seung-Hwan Oh (not pictured) during the ninth inning of opening night at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) is congratulated by right fielder Ben Zobrist (18) and center fielder Jason Heyward (22) after hitting a three run home run off St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Seung-Hwan Oh (not pictured) during the ninth inning of opening night at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Dexter Fowler

Dexter Fowler spent the first seven years of his big league career with the Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros before joining the Cubs in 2015.

Fowler appeared in 156 games for the Cubs in 2015 and slashed .250/.346/.411 with 17 home runs and 46 RBI. His 109 OPS+ in 2015 would be bested by his 127 mark in 2016 as Fowler would post 13 home runs and 48 RBI, and serve as the primary leadoff man for the Cubs’ World Series title run.

Unable to come to terms with the All-Star center fielder, the Cubs were forced to sit back and watch their rival sign Fowler to a five-year deal.

Thus far, Fowler has not been the player he was for the Cubs. Fowler has appeared in 29 games so far for St. Louis and is slashing .236/.311/.434 with four home runs and 12 RBI.

The 31-year-old Fowler is dealing with a shoulder injury that may limit his playing time during the series. Fowler has been able to pinch-hit of late and will return to the lineup against the Cubs on Friday.

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