Warning: Video contains coarse language
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor said he encouraged the umpires to eject Boston Red Sox right-hander Walker Buehler and manager Alex Cora during Tuesday's game to gain a competitive advantage.
Buehler was tossed for arguing the strike zone following Lindor's steal of second base after the latter was hit during his at-bat in the third inning. Cora was subsequently ejected for defending Buehler in the eventual 2-0 Red Sox win.
"You gotta get a guy who wasn't expecting to pitch," Lindor said Wednesday, according to SNY. "Now he has to come in. So, it puts him in jeopardy. ... It stretches the bullpen. It puts the (Red Sox) at a disadvantage. And as a competitor, I want all of the advantages possible. ... We had opportunities, we just didn't capitalize on it. But how everything crumbled yesterday, hopefully it can help us today."
He added: "I ain't got nothing against Buehler. I'm a lover. But yeah, I wanted him to get out of the game, it puts them at a disadvantage."
Buehler took to social media postgame to share his thoughts about Lindor's antics.
"I wouldn't want me out there either. Sad thing is, the bullpen is full of f-----g animals. Tough choice," Buehler wrote on X.
The 30-year-old clarified Wednesday that his tweet may have been a result of some liquid courage.
"I said my piece - sponsored by Buffalo Trace a little bit," the pitcher said, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo. "We're all competitive. It is what it is at that point. I'd probably do the same if I was him."
Meanwhile, Cora acknowledged that he went for breakfast with Lindor and the two had a laugh about the situation.
"It's all fun and games," the skipper said, per WEEI. "It's a game that you're allowed to show emotions. I had to protect my players. ... The cool thing is that we won the game."
