ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Cardinals announced on Wednesday that Dexter Fowler has been placed on the injured list as a precaution due to a new medication he's taking for a stomach ailment that may weaken his immune system and put him at greater risk to COVID-19.
President of baseball operations John Mozeliak says Fowler is expected to be out a couple of weeks.
Manager Mike Shildt said the 34-year-old outfielder has been "exhausted" due to the reoccurring issue.
"It's something he's been dealing with so it isn't something that caught us by surprise but things have deteriorated over the last month," Shildt says. "Dex's heart has really been on display here for his teammates and our team because he has done everything possible to stay with us."
#STLCards President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak says he anticipates Fowler missing a couple of weeks due to taking medication for a stomach ailment that may weaken his immune system. Due to COVID-19 the team wants to be careful. pic.twitter.com/GCQHx80ZT3
— KMOXSports (@KMOXSports)
September 2, 2020 The medication is for a stomach problem that Fowler has had in the past, but hasn't been an issue since he's been with the Cardinals, Mozeliak explained to media during a video conference before Wednesday's game. He was taken out of Monday's game in the sixth inning due to symptoms of that stomach problem.
In his last five games, Fowler has hit .333 with two home runs and is currently second on the team in RBI with 14 this season.
"Give that we are in the COVID environment we thought it was best to give him some time away," Mozeliak says. "We still expect him to play this year, or we hope we will, but we are just going to have to see how he feels in a week or so.
"He's having a really good year so it's unfortunate. But we both agreed his health was more important, so it's going to create an opportunities for guys like Lane Thomas, (Tyler) O'Neill, you're going to see (Harrison) Bader out there at times, Tommy Edman. So I would say the situation is very fluid and moving."
Also on Wednesday, St. Louis activated infielder Rangel Ravelo from the IL for the first time since he tested positive for COVID-19. St. Louis also has recalled pitcher Rob Kaminsky and sent pitcher Ryan Meisinger to the alternate training site in Springfield.
We have made the following transactions:▪️Activated INF Rangel Ravelo from the Injured List▪️Placed OF Dexter Fowler on the Injured List▪️Recalled LHP Rob Kaminsky from our Alternate Training Site▪️Optioned RHP Ryan Meisinger to our Alternate Training Site pic.twitter.com/jQOKvSL7VA
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals)
September 2, 2020 St. Louis plays Cincinnati on Wednesday night with a 5:40 p.m. CT first pitch. You can hear that game on KMOX 1120AM.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated.
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