Fowler happy with Cardinals after whirlwind year

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - As he works his way back from what seems like a minor shoulder injury, Dexter Fowler is especially disappointed to miss games in this series. The Milton High School alum has played in Atlanta plenty of times, but it's still a let down to miss a chance to get on the field in front of family and friends.

"I don't want to miss any series," said Fowler. "My parents live here, my brother lives here. I've been coming to Atlanta for a long time."

Fowler is an outfielder with the St. Louis Cardinals who are visiting SunTrust Park for the first time ever.

"It's different, it's not Turner Field, used to going to Turner Field," said Fowler. "Got to get used to this one."

Fowler has been busy the last 12 months. Last year with the Chicago Cubs, he made his first career All-Star Game appearance in his 9th MLB season. Fowler was part of Chicago's historic World Series run, then hit free agency where he signed with one of the Cubs' big rivals, St. Louis.

"Everybody's been great to be, the fans have been great," said Fowler. "Obviously I want to win another [World Series], that's why I came here. Eager to do it."

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny says Fowler is close to returning from his shoulder injury and was available to pinch-hit in the first two games of the series, but was not called upon. The Cardinals will go for a sweep of the Braves on Sunday, first pitch is set for 1:35 p.m.