Dexter Fowler and his wife Aliya welcomed a new baby girl earlier this week, and when the outfielder returned to work with the St. Louis Cardinals, he had a messy situation to deal with.
While Fowler was on paternity leave, Cardinals president John Mozeliak questioned the effort and energy levels of the 32-year-old, which he later apologized for.
Related: Mozeliak's comments questioning Fowler's effort 'came out wrong'
Fowler spoke about the situation for the first time Thursday and explained to reporters, including the St. Louis Dispatch's Derrick Goold, that he wants to try and make things work in St. Louis even though it has been "up and down," and said he isn't interested in being traded.
"I want the opportunity to play. I want to win as much as anybody. I just want to get the chance to help win," Fowler said before mentioning he's already spoken with Mozeliak and Bill DeWitt about the comments, as well as his place with the team.
"My effort has always been there," Fowler added, according to MLB.com's Joe Trezza. "That's out of the question. These guys in here know. They're the ones texting me, saying it's bulls---. I'm playing as hard as I can."
After a solid first year with the Cardinals following the signing of a five-year, $82.5-million contract, Fowler has struggled this season. He's hitting just .171/.276/.278 with 20 RBIs in 66 games.
