The Cardinals are treating Fowler as the top option to be their Opening Day right fielder, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This has more to do with the $49.5 million the Cardinals owe Fowler over the next three years than anything else. Given that financial commitment and the fact he is one year removed from being a 2.5-win player and two years removed from being a 4.6-win player, it makes sense to give him the chance to earn everyday at-bats. Of course, if he picks up where he left off last season, when he hit .180/.278/.298 in 334 plate appearances, the Cardinals probably won't wait very long before turning to Tyler O'Neill. He missed the final two months of the season with a foot injury, but was cleared to resume baseball activities last week.