The 2024 season is only getting worse for the New York Mets. On Wednesday, the Mets were looking to avoid a sweep at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The game was tied 3-3 heading into the 8th inning, but disaster would soon strike.
The Dodgers scored six runs in the 8th and went on to win the ballgame 10-3. Following a two-run home run off the bat of Shohei Ohtani, New York reliever Jorge Lopez was ejected after voicing his displeasure with third-base umpire Ramon De Jesus’ ruling on a check swing. Lopez continued to lose his cool as he left the field. After untucking his jersey, Lopez left his hat on the field and tossed his glove into the stands.
Following the game, Lopez drew the attention of the country through his postgame remarks. It is unclear what exactly Lopez said, either that he had been playing with “the worst team in the whole f—ing MLB” or that he was “the worst teammate in the whole f—ing MLB.”
What was clear coming from his interview was this quote — one that sounded as if Lopez was content with New York’s ultimate decision.
“No, I don’t regret it. Whatever happened, happened. I’ll be here tomorrow if they want me. Whatever they want to do. I’m going to keep doing this thing, you know. I’m healthy. … I’m ready to come back tomorrow if they want me to be here. So I’ll be here.”
According to a source in New York’s clubhouse, the team DFA’d Lopez immediately following his comments.
“Whenever you’re going through a stretch like this, you want to see some emotions from players, anybody in here,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “But what we saw today out of Lopey, that’s not acceptable. And we will address that internally here.”
The 22-33 Mets held a players-only team meeting following the loss and it is clear that there is a lot of work to do within the team. New York is 16 games behind Philadelphia in the National League East and has gone 4-15 since beginning the season 18-18.
