New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza explained the team's decision to designate veteran pitcher Jorge López for assignment following his Wednesday ejection from Citi Field.
"We have standards here, and I told you guys yesterday that behaviors like that, we weren't going to tolerate that," Mendoza told reporters, per SNY. "So, that's why we made the decision."
B/R Walk-Off @BRWalkoff"We have standards here."<br><br>-Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza on the decision to DFA Jorge López<br><br>(via <a href="">@SNYtv</a>)<a href="">
López was designated for assignment Thursday after throwing his glove into the stands following his ejection from Citi Field during a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He told reporters after the incident that he didn't regret his outburst.
SNY @SNYtvJorge López has been ejected by third base umpire Ramon De Jesus.<br><br>López threw his glove into the crowd on his way off the field. <a href="">
López had appeared in 28 games and pitched a 3.76 ERA through 26.1 innings prior to designation.
"When you're not playing well, guys will show emotions," Mendoza said, per SNY. "There's frustrations, but there's a fine line, and yesterday, we went over that line, and we're not going to tolerate that."
López has struggled previously with containing his frustration during competition, but he is certainly not the only Mets player dissatisfied with the team's recent performance. The Mets have gone 7-18 in the month of May and lost eight of their last nine games despite once again boasting the largest payroll in the MLB.
López's ejection highlighted a frustrating three-pitcher top of the eighth during which the Mets allowed six runs late in a tied game.
The veteran pitcher had already allowed a two-RBI double and 380-foot Shohei Ohtani homer when he argued with third base umpire Ramon De Jesus over a checked swing call on Freddie Freeman.
De Jesus then ejected López, who threw his glove over the netting and into the stands as he walked toward the team dugout.
After the 10-3 loss, Mendoza said López's behavior was "not acceptable," per SNY.
Mendoza declined to comment Thursday on whether or not the decision to DFA López was influenced by the pitcher's postgame interview, during which he said he was "looking the worst teammate probably in the whole MLB," according to the Associated Press.
SNY @SNYtv"I don't regret it."<br><br>- Jorge López on his glove toss <a href="">
López later said on Instagram that media reports that he had said "team" instead of "teammate" made the situation worse.
The Mets held a player-only meeting after the loss, ESPN's Jorge Castillo reported. Mike Fitzpatrick added for the Associated Press that the Mets began the DFA process after the game.
New York will need to trade, release or place López on waivers within seven days. The team could alternatively send the veteran pitcher to the minors if no other team places a waiver claim.
