"It feels like Opening Day," said Fowler, who added a two-run double in the second inning. "It feels good to get back on the field and get back with these guys."
Sidelined since June 19 with a right hamstring strain, Fowler went 1-for-5 with a double, a walk, and scored two runs on Wednesday when he played both games of a doubleheader with Triple-A Iowa in Des Moines. He started in center field in the first game and went 0-for-3, striking out twice, and was the designated hitter in the second game.
"I just wanted to get some [at-bats] and see some pitches," Fowler said. "This is my fourth week [since I was hurt]. It felt good and I'm seeing the ball well. I just want to contribute a little bit."
With Fowler, the Cubs were 46-20, and they went 11-17 without him. He was batting .290, and ranked among the National League leaders in on-base percentage before he injured his hamstring.
"I have to try to pick it back up where I was and go from there," Fowler said.
Maddon did tell Fowler to keep him abreast of how his legs feel.
"I said, 'Even during the course of the game, talk to me. Let me know how you're feeling,'" said Maddon, who may remove Fowler early to avoid aggravating the hamstring.
• With Fowler back, Albert Almora Jr. was optioned to Iowa to make room. When Almora was playing for Iowa, he planned on marrying his longtime girlfriend Krystal in a civil ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa, but on the date they had set, he was called up to the Cubs.
Finally hitched! #MrsAlmora https://t.co/MU3BCQAalR
— Albert Almora Jr. (@albertalmora) July 22, 2016
On Thursday, Almora finally tied the knot at a Chicago courthouse and teammates Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell and Justin Grimm were present. On Friday, Almora found out he's headed back to Iowa.
"It's bittersweet," Almora said. "Now I get to go and work every day and try to get better and come back and help the team whenever that is."
The young outfielder will be back.
"He's a big part of what we were doing the last month or so," Maddon said. "He shall return."
The message Maddon gave Almora was that he belongs in the big leagues.
"I'm confident in my ability," Almora said. "I'm confident I can play here, 100 percent."
Almora also was confident that Krystal could handle the move. The two are expecting their first child Sept. 6.
"She's a warrior and we'll get through this together," he said.
• Joe Nathan, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, was scheduled to pitch for Iowa on Friday but the game was postponed. Maddon said he wasn't sure what the plans were for the right-hander, who is eligible to come off the disabled list.
• The Cubs announced the Aug. 14 game against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field will start at 7:08 p.m. CT and broadcast on ESPN. The game time had been listed as "to be determined."
Carrie Muskat has covered the Cubs since 1987, and for MLB.com since 2001. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings. You can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat and listen to her podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Fresh off DL, Fowler opens game with homer
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