Closing out the ground of the 6th inning Wednesday night time, Astros reliever Hector Neris struck out Mariners celebrity Julio Rodríguez in what would sooner or later be an 8-3 Astros victory. For causes unbeknownst to many — OK, just about everybody however Neris — the pitcher began briskly strolling towards Rodríguez whilst additionally peppering him with some selection phrases.
There wasn’t any well known pork prior to the 2 heading into this matchup, making the scene beautiful abnormal. Neris wasn’t simply fired up — celebrations in giant moments don’t seem to be all too unusual anymore — he was once shifting temporarily towards Rodríguez as though it have been non-public.
On Rodríguez’s finish, he did not appear to understand why it might be. He informed a group spokesperson (via the Seattle Times) that he was once “shocked” by what transpired. Rodríguez’s teammate, Eugenio Suárez, was once on deck and likewise appeared beautiful stunned.
“From the beginning, I thought it was a joke, because before today they (had) a really good relationship,” Suárez informed newshounds after the sport. “And then he started talking bad words in Spanish. He started doing something that is not good for people who speak Spanish and understand. I was in the on-deck circle and I heard that. That pissed me off.”
Rodríguez didn’t talk to the media after Wednesday’s sport. On Thursday, he made it transparent he may not talk to Neris once more.
Over within the different clubhouse, Neris stated Rodríguez is his good friend after which, “It’s part of the game. It’s part of the moment.” Neris launched the next commentary Thursday (per The Athletic):
First, I need to say sorry to Julio, his circle of relatives, and the Mariners group. I’ve an amazing quantity of recognize for Julio as an individual and a participant. He approach such a lot to baseball and the communities within the United States and again house within the Dominican Republic. He is a brilliant participant and a greater individual and merits to be known that method.
Secondly, Julio has been a pal courting again to 2020, once we spent the pandemic understanding in combination. We have had a pleasant pageant when one beats the opposite at the box, one thing this is standard within the Dominican Republic and particularly amongst buddies. My intent in going in opposition to Julio was once to get his consideration as a part of the pleasant ongoing banter that we have got had through the years.
I acknowledge that remaining night time I must no longer have long gone in opposition to him like I did. I didn’t imply to disrespect him, his circle of relatives or the Mariners. I do know the way my movements might be interpreted that method.
Last, there have been reviews that I used a homophobic slur, which can be merely mistaken. That didn’t occur and any advice on the contrary is incorrect. My mom raised me to like and recognize folks for who they’re and that’s how I reside my existence.
Prior to this matchup, Rodríguez was once 2 for 4 with a house run towards Neris.
Regardless, the Mariners and Astros at the moment are executed taking part in each and every different this common season. The Mariners gained the season sequence, 9 video games to 4, however the Astros took two of 3 on this remaining sequence in Seattle and that may well be sufficient to knock Seattle out of the playoffs.
Should the 2 groups make the playoffs, it is conceivable they are going to face each and every different within the ALDS or ALCS. If that occurs, there will be quite a lot of fanfare round any conceivable Neris vs. Rodríguez matchups.
