CHICAGO -- Joe Maddon wanted Dexter Fowler in the lineup, but the Cubs manager also wants to be careful with the outfielder who was just activated from the disabled list. So, Maddon sent Fowler a text message early Monday, asking if he was OK being the designated hitter in the Cubs' Interleague game against the White Sox.
Fowler agreed, and was in the leadoff spot for the first game of two at U.S. Cellular Field. Maddon wasn't sure if he'll have Fowler be the DH again on Tuesday.
"If he was well enough, I'd rather get him on the field because that's also part of getting well is being back on your feet for nine innings," Maddon said. "He's coming back rather quickly. He hasn't had a chance to really be on the field."
Fowler missed 27 games because of a right hamstring strain. In his first game back Friday, he hit a leadoff home run and a two-run double.
• The Cubs had sent Adam Warren to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday to have him start, but the right-hander now is headed back to the Yankees. Warren was included in the package the Cubs sent to New York for Aroldis Chapman. Chicago acquired him in December in the Starlin Castro deal.
"He didn't kick it in for us, but I anticipate him pitching very well when he goes back to New York City," Maddon said of Warren.
Warren was the designated long man, and made one start. Now, Trevor Cahill, who is rehabbing from tendinitis in his right knee, will be stretched out and take that role.
• Jake Arrieta likes to hit. However, because the Cubs right-hander was starting Monday night at U.S. Cellular Field, where the Interleague series was to be played under American League rules, it meant Arrieta wouldn't need his bat.
Still, he posted on Twitter: "So, am I in the eighth or ninth spot in the order tonight ... @CubsJoeMadd."
Maddon said he and Arrieta agreed it would be nice to just focus on pitching for one game.