NEW YORK — Jorge López is set to be cut by the struggling New York Mets following an outburst that saw him throw his glove into the stands after being ejected on Wednesday at Citi Field
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza deemed the outburst “not acceptable” and stated it would be addressed internally. López showed no remorse for his actions.
I don't regret it. I think I’ve been the worst teammate in the entire MLB," López said, using a profanity during a bizarre and confusing postgame interview in the Mets' clubhouse.
López falsely claimed to reporters that he hadn't yet spoken with Mendoza or president of baseball operations David Stearns about the incident, according to a source familiar with the situation. The source spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
López gave up a two-run homer to Shohei Ohtani late in New York's 10-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Shortly after, he was ejected for shouting at third base umpire Ramon De Jesus over an appeal ruling on Freddie Freeman’s checked swing.
t's just emotions. The game, it just takes you there,López explained.
López pointed at De Jesus, yelled further, then dropped the ball and walked off the mound with his jersey untucked. As he approached the Mets' dugout, he threw his glove over the protective netting into the stands, where a fan caught it.
It definitely doesn’t look good, said Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who called a players-only meeting in the clubhouse following New York's 15th loss in 19 games.If our manager says it’s unacceptable, it’s unacceptable. I hope tomorrow, (López) feels completely different.”
After his cap fell off, López left it in the dirt in front of the dugout and headed to the bench.
I’m the way I am, he said. “I’m not afraid to be me.
However, López acknowledged that his teammates were likely embarrassed.
Jorge’s a good guy inside. Deep down, he knows he shouldn’t have done that,veteran reliever Adam Ottavino said. Everybody’s going through stuff.Following the game, the Mets began the process of designating López for assignment. They have seven days to trade or release him, or send him outright to the minors if he clears waivers.
In his first season with the Mets, the 31-year-old López is 1-2 with a 3.76 ERA and two saves in 28 appearances. He signed a $2 million, one-year contract with New York in December.
López pitched for three playoff teams last season, posting a 6-2 record with a 5.95 ERA and three saves in 61 relief appearances for Minnesota, Miami, and Baltimore.
Having moved exclusively to the bullpen in 2022, López was a dominant closer for the Orioles, earning an All-Star selection. Baltimore traded him to the Twins in early August that year, and he finished the season with a 4-7 record, a 2.54 ERA, and 23 saves in 67 games.
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