Mets players give thumbs down to fans
Javier Baez and his New York Mets teammates get a day to cool off after the derogatory gestures they directed toward frustrated fans at Citi Field angered club management.
Booed at home during a rough August, Baez said Mets players have been turning double thumbs down on the crowd in response. Baez did it after homering Sunday in a 9-4 win over Washington.
“When we don’t get success, we’re going to get booed,” he said. “So they’re going to get booed when we have success.”
Baez, a two-time All-Star acquired from the Chicago Cubs last month, good friend Francisco Lindor and Kevin Pillar all were seen giving the thumbs-down during the win.
Mets President Sandy Alderson swiftly condemned those remarks and signs.
“These comments, and any gestures by him or other players with a similar intent, are totally unacceptable,” Alderson said in a statement.
“Booing is every fan’s right,” he said. “The Mets will not tolerate any player gesture that is unprofessional in its meaning or is directed in a negative way toward our fans. I will be meeting with
our players and staff to convey this message directly.”
The Mets are 8-19 this month, dropping them from the NL East lead to third place, 7 1/2 games behind the divisionleading Atlanta Braves.
New York is back in action today, at home against Miami. The teams will resume a nine-inning game that was suspended on April 11, and then play seven-inning game.
SUNDAY BLUE JAYS 2, TIGERS 1
DETROIT — Jose Berrios struck out 11 in seven innings, leading Toronto to the victory.
Bo Bichette and Kevin Smith homered for Toronto, which won 3-2 on Saturday and lost 2-1 on Friday.
Berrios (9-7) allowed an unearned run and six hits. Tim Mayza got four outs for his first career save.
Detroit's Matt Boyd (3-7) allowed two runs in four innings in his first start since June 14. Harold Castro hit an RBI single for the Tigers.
MARINERS 4, ROYALS 3
SEATTLE — Salvador Perez homered for Kansas City for the fifth consecutive game, but Kyle Seager connected for a two-run drive for Seattle.
Seager hit his career-high 31st homer in the seventh inning, lifting the Mariners to a 4-2 lead and helping them avoid a four-game series sweep at home. Marco Gonzales (6-5) got the win. Drew Steckenrider recorded his seventh save.
Perez’s solo homer matched Mike Sweeney’s team record of five consecutive games with a homer, set in 2002.