Fowler (illness) will start center field and bat cleanup Sunday against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Fowler wasn't at the ballpark Saturday after succumbing to an illness prior to the contest, but a day of rest was apparently all he needed for his symptoms to subside. The Cardinals' decision to immediately reinsert Fowler back into the lineup upon his return to the club suggests the team isn't worried about his condition heading into the upcoming week, so fantasy owners shouldn't be concerned either.

Fowler was sent home Saturday due to an illness, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fowler's ailment is considered contagious at this time, so the team is taking the cautious route and sending him home to alleviate the risk of the illness spreading to other teammates. He should be considered day-to-day for now, but his status heading into Sunday's series finale is uncertain. Tommy Pham would likely get another start in center field if Fowler is given an additional day off.

Fowler is not in the lineup Saturday against the Rays, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

There's been no word that Fowler's absence from the lineup is injury related, so it looks like Saturday is simply a day off for the 31-year-old. Tommy Pham will start in center field and hit second for the Cardinals.

Fowler went 3-for-4 with a double and a run in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran outfielder has been raking in August, with Thursday's production bringing his monthly line to .417/.540/.729. The three hits also brought Fowler's multi-hit tally for the month to six, while he's now roped a total of 11 extra-base hits (eight doubles, two triples, one home run) over that span as well.

Fowler (back) is in the lineup Sunday against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Fowler sat out of Saturday's contest due to a back ailment, but is set to return to action Sunday. Fowler, who's slashed .474/.587/.824 since coming off the DL on August 7, will start in center field and hit fourth.

Fowler (back) is feeling much better and says he was available off the bench Saturday, Jim Hayes of FOX Sports Midwest reports.

EDGE Analysis

It sounds like Fowler could be back in the lineup Sunday, and at the very least he should avoid a trip to the DL. Stephen Piscotty was added as a 26th man to provide extra outfield depth for the game in Williamsport, PA against the Pirates.

Manager Mike Matheny said Fowler is not in Saturday's lineup because he is dealing with back discomfort, Derrick Goold of the St. Loius Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fowler is receiving treatment, and the Cardinals said they think he could ultimately play Saturday if needed. This is an encouraging sign, as the injury doesn't appear to be anything too serious, and the hope is that he'll be ready to return for Sunday's series finale after the day off. The Cardinals are deploying an outfield of Jose Martinez, Randal Grichuk and Tommy Pham in his absence.

Fowler is out of Saturday's lineup against the Pirates, Derrick Goold of the St. Loius Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

He has started 10 of the last 11 games, hitting .441/.587/.824 with one home run and 12 walks over that span. Tommy Pham will start in center field and hit second against righty Chad Kuhl.

Fowler went 2-for-3, including his sixth triple of the season, with three runs batted in and three runs scored during Thursday's win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

The Cardinals offense exploded for 11 runs in the contest, and Fowler led the way by batting in or scoring six of them. Including his two walks, Fowler was able to get on base four times, the first game he's done that since July 21 against the Cubs.

Fowler went 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored and two RBI in Tuesday's 10-4 loss to the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

The center fielder now has four multi-hit performances in eight games since coming off the DL, compiling a .458 (11-for-24) batting average during that stretch with a homer, eight runs and eight RBI. While this seems likely to be the first season of Fowler's career in which he doesn't steal double-digit bases, his 15 homers in 88 games is already just two shy of his previous career high.