Jack Flaherty spoke with the media for 25 minutes prior to the St. Louis Cardinals' doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.

Flaherty, 24, described what the week has been like for him as athletes around the sports world have used their voices to sit out games, postpone games and demand change.

The pitcher and Dexter Fowler sat out Wednesday's game in solidarity with other players around Major League Baseball.

"I appreciated being included, but that was Dex's way of -- I don't want to speak for him, but it was just about supporting everybody and to make that statement of not playing yesterday," Flaherty said. "A lot of trying to gather thoughts and trying to gather feelings and emotions."

Flaherty said he didn't expect the team to not play Wednesday night because his and Fowler's decision happened so close to first pitch.

"I said, 'Look, you've got 20 minutes before the game,'" he said. "I love our guys for going out and playing and winning. And they texted us right afterward. This ain't about me right now. I said, 'Dex needs your support. I don't want him to feel like he's on an island. I'm not choosing to not play because I don't have to make that decision tonight. He knows you guys support him and, but just let him know.' I'm proud of the way that they went out and played the game and the way that they battled back, and they're going to go out there and play today."