Thursday, 30th May 2024, seemed to be a black day for the 31-year-old Puerto Rican’s relief pitcher. An argument leaving Jorge Lopez’s professional career at risk, the Los Angeles Dodgers won the game 9-3, dragging the New York Mets to their eighth defeat in nine games. An hour after the incident, when Jorge Lopez threw his gloves, the controversy drew the attention of several media houses. 

Strangling with his child’s transplant, media miscommunication, and the latest cut from the Mets, Jorge Lopez’s life has come to a standstill. Looking broken within, he stood in front of the media after the most embarrassing moment of his MLB career. Amidst mixed reactions from journalists and fans after the game, Colin Cowherd, a renowned sports personality, seems to have a soft corner for the Mets pitcher. 

Jorge Lopez’s tragic incident followed by Cowherd’s soft reaction

Everything was sunshine for Lopez in the Mets game against the Dodgers until he got into a heated argument. He argued with the third umpire, Ramon De Jesus, after a call which he thought was wrongly made.  Thereafter, he was disqualified and walked off the field. Fiercely, he untucked his jersey, landing his hand gloves straight into the stands. 

Following the controversy, Colin Cowherd shared his thoughts on Jorge Lopez at his show, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”.  Talking with Jason Adam, an MLB baseball pitcher, Colin said,” I tend to be very lenient on pro athletes in the middle of a game, having a meltdown. I don’t want them touching fans. But this is Pro sports; I think being a reliever, we’ve had 250 blown saves. Relievers are different. You get inserted mid-roller coaster right into games; it’s hard.”

Following the conversation with Adam, Cowherd had some interesting things to say regarding baseball players’ meltdowns on the field:” When Lopez melted down, my takeaway is that this is one of the hardest things to do in the sport.”

“I think if I was an umpire, I would be very lenient on language. I’m not playing; you are. I mean, third base umpire on the mound, that’s 40 feet. I saw Bryce Harper get thrown out in the first innings; I am like, Bryce is an emotional guy.” Colin replied, giving his feedback on the third umpiring. 

Lopez’s apology & future of the MLB Pitcher 

Talking with a reporter post-match, he said he’s the worst teammate in baseball. English not being his primary language, he was mistaken, and the next day, his message context was completely changed. Although unintentional from media houses, it’s one thing that shouldn’t have happened. 

Batting the chaos, on Thursday afternoon, Lopez posted on Instagram saying, “I apologize to my teammates, coaches, fans and front office. I feel that I let them down yesterday, both on and off the field. 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.”

An incident that shouldn’t have happened, Jorge Lopez is going through a rough phase in his professional and personal life. His son Mikael is waiting for a transplant and suffering from a rare Mediterranean fever. Followed by the sudden on-field controversy, Lopez seems to be on a sinking ship. Presently, Jorge Lopez is designated for assignment, a thing that has shattered the career dreams of an already heartbroken player’. Will he come back on top? Time will tell.