CHICAGO -- Cognizant that his actions will carry more weight than any promise he makes, interim manager Mike Shildt made his strongest statement yet about his commitment to outfielder Dexter Fowler by starting him against Cubs lefty Jon Lester on Friday.
With right-handed-hitting outfielder Harrison Bader available, Shildt instead stood behind Fowler, who has started all three games since Mike Matheny's dismissal. Friday's start was arguably the most surprising, given that Fowler has just four hits -- only one of which went for extra bases -- in 46 at-bats against lefties this season.