Fowler’s surprise return pays dividends for Cubs

LOS ANGELES — If Dexter Fowler didn’t come back to the Cubs, he might not have been an All-Star. He probably wouldn’t have the “Fowler’s Howlers” fans in center field backing him. And the Cubs may not have gotten to the postseason without their leadoff man.

“Bringing him back, I don’t think we’d be in this situation without him or a number of our guys,” Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta said. “To have him back as a huge part of our lineup, obviously, a guy that jump-starts our offense at the top of the order, has been tremendously huge for us.”

• NLCS Game 3: Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/7 CT on FS1

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 15   CHC 8, LAD 4 Gm 2 Oct. 16   LAD 1, CHC 0 Gm 3 Oct. 18 8 p.m. CHC @ LAD FS1 Gm 4 Oct. 19 8 p.m. CHC @ LAD FS1 Gm 5 Oct. 20 8 p.m. CHC @ LAD FS1 *Gm 6 Oct. 22 TBD LAD @ CHC FS1 *Gm 7 Oct. 23 TBD LAD @ CHC FS1 * If necessary | All times listed ET  • NLCS coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Dodgers

Fowler, 30, has contributed more with his glove than at the plate so far this postseason, although he did follow Miguel Montero’s pinch-hit grand slam with a homer of his own on Saturday in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.

“He’s one of our leaders,” Arrieta said. “Obviously, he’s …

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