JUPITER, Fla. • One way the weight of last season has been lifted from Dexter Fowler is the word he used Friday afternoon to describe his swing, though it could just as easily apply to his position, his spot in the lineup, or even his relationship with the manager.

“It’s simplified,” the veteran said.

For the first time since August, when a broken foot ended his fractured season, the Cardinals’ switch-hitting right fielder has been doing baseball things on a baseball field the past few days. An early arrival to Cardinals spring training, Fowler hit on the field with teammates Friday, and he has been doing drills with coach Willie McGee and the other outfielders during informal workouts at the Cardinals’ Roger Dean Stadium.

John Mozeliak, president of baseball operations, said it’s “no secret” the team wants Fowler to start in right field and expects a “bounce in his step.” For that to work, Fowler needs a pep in his bat, and while working with Barry Bonds in January he felt a familiar swing return.

He agreed it was like home.