Mets to address Jorge Lopez’s dismissal internally: ‘That’s not acceptable’
Reliever Jorge Lopez was dismissed during the Mets’ 10-3 loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday afternoon, capping a difficult month for The Amazins.
Lopez entered during the Dodgers’ six-run eighth inning, attempting to end the inning started by Adam Ottavino. However, the experienced righty only lasted 0.1 innings, thanks in large part to the dismissal. He faced two batters and allowed one hit before Shohei Ohtani blasted Lopez deep to end the game.
Pitching to Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ first baseman checked his swing, but when the Mets appealed to third base umpire Ramon De Jesus and was pronounced safe, Lopez shouted at the official, resulting in his dismissal.
Lopez continued to jaw at De Jesus before manager Carlos Mendoza removed his reliever. Lopez hurled his glove over the netting and into the seats on his way to the locker room.
“Whenever you go into a stretch like this, you’re going to see some emotions from the players,” Mendoza said following the game. “What we saw out of Lopez is not acceptable. We’ll handle that internally here.”
Wednesday’s emotions were exacerbated by the news that Edwin Diaz, who was already struggling, had been placed on the disabled list due to a shoulder ailment. Pete Alonso was struck by a pitch during the first inning of Wednesday’s game and forced to leave.
Despite the issues, Mendoza expects his players to act and represent the Mets in a specific manner.
“I realize that guys might become upset and emotional at times. “I will not tolerate that,” he stated of Lopez’s conduct. “Part of what we’re trying to do here… We gotta be better.”
When asked if he wanted to establish the tone for the team in his first season as manager, Mendoza responded “100 percent” yes.
“That’s what we’re trying to do here especially when things are not going well,” he stated. “Represent your organization and fans. Again, we will address this.”
Following Wednesday’s loss, the Mets (22-33) fell 11 games behind for the first time this season.500 has barely 24 hours to figure out way to get back in the victory column before the Arizona Diamondbacks visit town tomorrow.
With the 2024 season barely a third of the way through, Mendoza says he does not believe he has lost his squad, but actions like Lopez’s are unacceptable.
Mendoza addressed his players following his postgame remarks to the media. The Mets’ response will be seen Thursday, when they begin their four-game series against Arizona.
