Mets manager says DFA'd pitcher 'went over the line' following ejection

The New York Mets designated relief pitcher Jorge Lopez for assignment just one day after he tossed his glove into the Citi Field stands following an ejection. It was originally reported on Thursday that the Mets made the decision to move on from the veteran reliever because he lied to them and embarrassed the team.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza pretty much confirmed that before Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, saying that Lopez "went over the line" and that the Mets have standards that players have to follow.

"We have standards here," said Mendoza. "When you're not playing well, guys will show emotions. There's frustrations, but there's a fine line and yesterday went over that line."

He added that the decision to DFA Lopez was also about sending a message to the rest of the players in the organization. 

"I'm talking about standards, right," he said, via ESPN. "There's going to be times where you're going to see frustration for players, but there's a fine line and ... behaviors like that we're not going tolerate."

After the game, Lopez showed little remorse for his actions, saying he did not regret it while adding that he was looking like the worst teammate in baseball. That was a line that was originally thought to be — and reported — him saying the Mets were the worst team in MLB. He addressed that on Instagram and argued that the initial quotes only added to the situation. 

He made a full statement on Instagram addressing all of it.

That statement is as follows:

"I feel that I let them down yesterday, both on and off the field," López said. "I also want to clarify my post-game remarks, because I had no intention of disparaging the New York Mets organization. During that interview, I spoke candidly about my frustrations with my personal performance and how I felt it made me 'the worst teammate in the entire league.' "Unfortunately, my efforts to address the media in English created some confusion and generated headlines that do not reflect what I was trying to express. I wish the team the best and hope that God continues to give me strength and guidance in my personal and professional life."

Lopez joined the Mets prior to the 2024 season and has been one of their most used relief pitchers. He appeared in 28 games with the team, posting a 3.76 ERA and striking out 19 batters in 26.1 innings.