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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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On Monday evening, Team USA and Mexico played in pool play at the World Baseball Classic, with a tight game between the two squads featuring an eye-catching moment between two MLB teammates.
The United States features a potent lineup of star batters and pitchers, including slugger Cal Raleigh from the Seattle Mariners. Team Mexico also has several MLB stars, including Randy Arozarena, Raleigh's Mariners teammate.
During Arozarena's at-bat, the Mariners star attempted to offer his hand to Raleigh, behind the plate as Team USA's catcher. However, Raleigh didn't extend his hand at the moment, prompting Arozarena to lean down closer to him to have some words.
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A portion of the crowd let out boos at that moment, making it a dramatic incident at the WBC, which also drew comments from Arozarena after the game.
Read more: Livvy Dunne Goes Viral for Paul Skenes, Bobby Witt Jr. Meme After WBC Win
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According to ESPN, Arozarena delivered a profane rant using Cuban and Spanish slang, suggesting he said he wanted Raleigh to "f**k off" and "go to hell." In English, he said that Raleigh could shove his "good to see you" in his rear.
ESPN indicated that it was unclear if these comments were made playfully or with a serious tone.
Arozarena joined the Mariners during the 2024 season after being traded by Tampa Bay. The teammates were part of a team that nearly reached last year's World Series, falling 4-3 to the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series.
While Arozarena's comments seemed to suggest some drama between him and Raleigh, the Mariners catcher dismissed any such notion in his recent remarks.
"There's no beef. I love Randy. Like I said, when we're back in Seattle, he's my brother. He's family," Raleigh told reporters on Tuesday, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
"I have a responsibility to my teammates and the country to be focused and locked in. And like I said, there's no harm or no bad blood. There's nothing behind it. It doesn't matter who's on the other side," the Mariners star said.
According to The Seattle Times, Mariners manager Dan Wilson said on Tuesday that he hoped to speak to both players about the situation. While he praised their competitive nature, he also indicated he didn't see this as an issue, given how much love Mariners teammates have for one another.
Team USA was scheduled for another game on Tuesday evening against Team Italy at the WBC, while Mexico will play Italy on Tuesday as part of the ongoing pool play.
Read more: Patrick Mahomes Has 1-Word Reaction to Bobby Witt Jr. in WBC Win
For more about the World Baseball Classic and MLB, visit Newsweek Sports.
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