Dexter Fowler, Kris Bryant return to Cubs’ lineup at St. Louis

Dexter Fowler will return to the lineup Friday night as the Chicago Cubs open a three-game series at St. Louis.

Fowler has been relegated to reserve duty the past three games because of a left ankle sprain suffered in Monday’s 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Fowler will return to the leadoff spot and play center field. As expected, Kris Bryant also returns to the Cubs’ lineup and will play third after missing the final seven innings because of flu-like symptoms.

Mike Baxter also will get the start in right field and bat seventh.

Here’s the Cubs’ lineup against John Lackey:

Fowler cf

Rizzo 1b

Bryant 3b

Montero c

Coghlan lf

Castro ss

Baxter rf

Arrieta p

A. Russell 2b