25 Dexter Fowler OF

The Cardinals are treating Fowler as the top option to be their Opening Day right fielder, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

This has more to do with the $49.5 million the Cardinals owe Fowler over the next three years than anything else. Given that financial commitment and the fact he is one year removed from being a 2.5-win player and two years removed from being a 4.6-win player, it makes sense to give him the chance to earn everyday at-bats. Of course, if he picks up where he left off last season, when he hit .180/.278/.298 in 334 plate appearances, the Cardinals probably won't wait very long before turning to Tyler O'Neill. He missed the final two months of the season with a foot injury, but was cleared to resume baseball activities last week.

Fowler (foot) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on Tuesday.

The move will end Fowler's regular season, as his 60 days will expire on Oct. 3. He'll end the year with a very disappointing .180/.278/.298 line and an uncertain role going into next season. Jose Martinez and Tyler O'Neill should continue to split time at right field for the foreseeable future.

Fowler (foot) will remain on his original rehabilitation plan -- which includes putting no weight on his foot until September -- after consulting with team physician Dr. George Paletta on Monday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Fowler is also supposed to wear a cast for a span of between 2-to-3 weeks following his rest period, so there will only be a handful of games left in the regular season by the time he's ready for activation. The veteran outfielder has endured a forgettable campaign overall, and the Cardinals may simply shut him down for the duration given the circumstances. More information on their plans should emerge within the next several weeks.

Fowler will not need surgery on his broken left foot but will be forced to wear a boot for at least a month, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

That timeline leaves only a few weeks for Fowler's potential return. Whether or not he returns at all will depend on how quickly the foot recovers and potentially whether or not the Cardinals are still fighting for a playoff spot.

Fowler (foot) will be placed on the 10-day disabled list ahead of Saturday's matchup with Pittsburgh, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Fowler was initially diagnosed with a bruise, but after further examination, it was found that he fractured his left foot. He'll likely be forced to sit out for longer than the minimum, although a more concrete timetable for his return should be given in the near future. Fowler's injury opens the door for Tyler O'Neill to see regular playing time in the outfield.