ST. LOUIS -- Harrison Bader's "engine" keeps pushing him into the Cardinals lineup -- and Dexter Fowler out.
After weeks of creeping his way intermittently into St. Louis' outfield alignment while the club waited for Fowler's struggles to subside, Bader started for the third time in four games Wednesday, batting leadoff when the Cardinals capped a three-game set against the Padres. Mike Matheny hinted that Bader will likely start at least two games this weekend as well, with the Cubs scheduled to pitch two left-handed starters.
Club officials have spent much of the week relenting that they can no longer ignore what Bader's skillset brings to the lineup or what Fowler hasn't, despite his history and contract.