Hector Neris apologized to Julio Rodriguez in a statement Thursday, a day after the Houston Astros reliever shouted at the Mariners star during an at-bat that caused both benches to empty in Seattle.
In a battle of two teams fighting for the final American League wild-card spot, Neris yelled at Rodríguez after striking him out during the sixth inning of what was ultimately an 8-3 Houston win. Rodríguez was visibly angered by the pitcher's actions, as were other members of the Mariners.
"First, I want to apologize to Julio, his family, and the Mariners organization," Neris said in the statement.