Cubs' Dexter Fowler to 15-day disabled list with sore hamstring

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs placed center fielder and leadoff man Dexter Fowler on the 15-day disabled list with a sore hamstring while recalling right-handed pitcher Carl Edwards Jr.from Triple-A Iowa to take his place.

"We don't think it's a long-term injury," Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said Monday afternoon. "We knew it was going to sideline him for the next handful of games. If that's the case, playing short-handed for a significant part of what would be a DL stint doesn't make a lot of sense."

Fowler hurt his right hamstring running to first base on Saturday, leaving the game in the first inning. He was out of the starting lineup on Sunday before landing on the disabled list Monday. Fowler ranks 10th in the National League with a .398 on-base percentage while leading all National League outfielders in All-Star voting.

Jason Heyward started in center field on Sunday, though rookieAlbert Almora Jr.is expected to get the bulk of the playing time there in Fowler's absence.

The Cubs are likely to rotate leadoff men. Chris Coghlan led off on Sunday while Ben Zobristwas at the top of the order Monday night when the Cubs hosted the St. Louis Cardinals.

"It was a prudent thing to do at this time of the season," Hoyer said of the Fowler decision.

Fowler joins Jorge Soler and Tommy La Stella on the disabled list as they're nursing hamstring injuries as well. Both are eligible to be activated later in the week, though La Stella is closer to being healthy. He's expected to begin a rehab assignment by the weekend, while Soler will need more time.

Edwards, 24, joins the Cubs for the second time this season. He's 1-1 with one save and a 4.26 ERA in 24 relief appearances with Triple-A Iowa this year, limiting opponents to a .185 batting average while striking out 35 batters in 25 innings.