After getting publicly criticized by Cardinals president John Mozeliak earlier this week, Dexter Fowler returned to the clubhouse Thursday with answers to blasts from his own organization.
To Fowler, it all comes down to playing time — something he feels he needs more of in order to overcome this slump.
“Obviously we’re not doing well, clearly, and I’m a big part of the team,” Fowler told reporters before the Cardinals’ 11-2 win over the Giants on Thursday. “That’s fine. If the blame goes on me, I’m willing to take it. I’ve taken it before. At the end of the day, I want to go out and I want to play and I want the opportunity to play to make it right. If anybody, I feel like I should get a chance to make it right as well.”
Mozeliak later claimed he was addressing fan concerns and that he meant his comments to be directed at the team as whole — not Fowler individually. Although Fowler was the only player mentioned by Mozeliak, the executive said he misspoke.
Fowler, who returned from paternity leave Thursday, took the criticisms head-on anyway.
“My name was in it,” Fowler said. “Obviously, if your name is in it, it’s kind of toward you whether it’s rescinded or not. I want to win more than anybody. I just want to get the chance to help win. I haven’t been playing the way I want to play, the way I’m capable of playing. Given the right opportunity I think I can make it right.”
Mozeliak reportedly called Fowler to personally apologize for the comments he made on the podcast, as well as congratulate him on the birth of his daughter. But Mozeliak’s challenge to the struggling center fielder’s effort and energy on the field was impossible for Fowler to dismiss.
“I think that’s out of the question. These guys in here know,” Fowler said of his commitment level. “I’m getting text messages from everybody. That’s bullsh–t. I’m playing as hard as I can. I’m trying as hard as I can. The cream will rise to the top. If I get the right opportunity, things will happen.”
In the second year of a five-year, $80 million contract, Fowler has fallen short of high expectations this season. As a result, he’s lost his starting position. The rotation in center field has left the one-time All Star, who is hitting .171 this season, with fewer at-bats than he’d like.
Fowler had 55 at-bats in June and has only started two of the Cardinals’ past 10 games.
When asked if he would welcome a trade, Fowler assured that “this is what I signed up for.” The 32-year-old still believes it’s possible to find his place within the Cardinals.
“At the end of the day, I’m going to keep putting in the effort that I’ve put in,” Fowler said. “It’s worked for 10 years. I don’t think you stay in the big leagues for 10 years if you don’t work. When I get the chance — when I’m afforded the chance — to give it all I’ve got, see where it goes.”