WATCH- Mets ace Jorge Lopez gets ejected after heated exchange with third-base umpire
New York Mets reliever Jorge Lopez had an evening to forget after getting ejected by third base umpire Ramon De Jesus during Wednesday's 10-3 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With the Mets already in deep trouble in the eighth inning, Lopez came on to relieve Adam Ottavino and lasted only one out while giving up four runs on two hits. After Shohei Ohtani's two run homer off him, the Mets pitcher got into a heated exchange with the third base umpire, who ejected him in response.
Jorge Lopez was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2011 MLB Draft and went on to make his major league debut with them in 2015. Since then, he has been on the move frequently, playing for the likes of the Kansas City Royals and the Baltimore Orioles.
In 2023, he swapped teams thrice, between the Minnesota Twins, the Miami Marlins and the Orioles. However, he has seen plenty of MLB action since joining the Mets on a one-year contract ahead of the season.
As the Mets continue to chase wins in a horrific season so far, Lopez could not help his team avoid defeat against the Dodgers. After coming on in the eighth inning, the reliever conceded a two-run RBI double to Miguel Vargas before getting Mookie Betts to fly out. Shohei Ohtani then blasted a two-run homer off Lopez before he was ejected from the game.
Despite his disappointing outing and the position the Mets find themselves in, Lopez has been one of their better performers so far. He has made 28 appearances over the season, with a 1-2 record and a 3.76 ERA in a struggling bullpen.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza gives his take on Jorge Lopez's ejection vs. Dodgers
After New York Mets pitcher Jorge Lopez was ejected by umpire Ramon De Jesus, the reason behind their argument remained unclear. The pitcher had plenty to say even after being ejected and had to be ushered to the dugout by manager Carlos Mendoza. Speaking on his players' actions after the game, Mendoza said:
"What we saw out of Lopez, that’s not acceptable. We will address that internally here.“
It is clear that the Mets' run of disappointing results is starting to get to the players and Lopez's angry outburst was an apt example. As they now prepare for a four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team will be hoping to snap out of their slump in the MLB.