Neris apologizes, denies using slur
PHOENIX — Astros reliever Hector Neris, in a statement, apologized to Julio Rodríguez and denied directing a homophobic slur toward the Mariners center fielder during an interaction that led to the teams’ benches clearing in Wednesday night’s game.
After striking out Rodríguez to end the sixth inning Wednesday, Neris took several steps toward Rodríguez and said words to him. Both benches and bullpens emptied, but the incident did not escalate further.
After the Astros’ 8-3 win, Neris said Rodríguez is “my friend” and the interaction was “nothing personal” and “part of the game.”
Rodríguez did not speak with reporters after the game. The Seattle Times reported that Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suárez said Neris had used a homophobic slur toward Rodríguez.
MLB was looking into the matter Thursday, according to a league spokesperson.
Neris released the following statement through the Astros, who were off Thursday:
“First, I want to apologize to Julio, his family, and the Mariners organization. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Julio as a person and a player. He means so much to baseball and the communities in the United States and back home in the Dominican Republic. He is a great player and a better person and deserves to be recognized that way.
“Secondly, Julio has been a friend dating back to 2020, when we spent the pandemic working out together. We have had a friendly competition when one beats the other on the field, something that is customary in the Dominican Republic and especially among friends. My intent in going towards Julio was to get his attention as part of the friendly ongoing banter that we have had over the years.
“I recognize that last night I should not have gone towards him like I did. I did not mean to disrespect him, his family or the Mariners. I do understand how my actions could be interpreted that way.
“Last, there were reports that I used a homophobic slur, which are simply incorrect.
That did not happen and any suggestion to the contrary is wrong. My mother raised me to love and respect people for who they are and that is how I live my life.”
Neris, 34, and Rodríguez, 22, are represented by the same agency and were on the Dominican Republic team for the World Baseball Classic earlier this year.
Rodríguez, speaking to reporters in Seattle on Thursday, did not comment on the exact words Neris used toward him and said Neris reached out but Rodríguez did not want to interact with him, according to the Times.