Tensions flared during Saturday’s 8-4, 12-inning loss for the Toronto Blue Jays as starter José Berríos accused Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh of potentially relaying pitch information to his teammates.
The incident occurred at the end of the fourth inning when Berríos exchanged heated words with Raleigh as he walked back to the dugout. The confrontation drew both benches onto the field, although no physical altercation followed. Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was seen motioning for teammates to stay back as relievers ran in from the bullpens.
“I don’t react that way very often,” Berríos said postgame. “I’m a quiet and chill guy. But when people try to fight us on the field, I don’t respect that.”
Raleigh denied relaying signs but didn’t take offense to Berríos’ suspicions.
“I’d want my pitchers doing the same thing,” Raleigh said. “If someone thought they were tipping, I’d want them to say something. That’s just part of a competitive game.”
Blue Jays manager John Schneider echoed that sentiment.
“Stealing signs is part of the game,” he said. “In the heat of the moment, emotions run high. But I like that our guys are standing up for themselves.”
Raleigh got the last word on the field, hitting a two-run double in the fifth to put Seattle ahead 2-1. He finished the game 2-for-3 with three walks. In 20 career games against Toronto, Raleigh is now hitting .292 with nine home runs and 18 RBIs.
Photo: G Fiume/Getty Images
