Report: MLB investigating Neris for allegedly directing homophobic slur at J-Rod

Major League Baseball is investigating Houston Astros pitcher Hector Neris for allegedly directing a homophobic slur at the Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodríguez on Wednesday night, sources told Adam Jude of the Seattle Times.

Neris rushed toward and yelled at Rodríguez after striking him out to end the bottom of the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who was on deck during the incident, told Jude that he heard Neris use a slur.

Neris issued an apology to Rodríguez and the Mariners but denied using a slur.

"First, I want to apologize to Julio, his family, and the Mariners organization," Neris said in a statement obtained by Chandler Rome of The Athletic. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Julio as a person and a player. He means so much to baseball and the communities in the United States and back home in the Dominican Republic. He is a great player and a better person and deserves to be recognized that way."

He added, "There were reports that I used a homophobic slur, which are simply incorrect. That did not happen and any suggestion to the contrary is wrong. My mother raised me to love and respect people for who they are and that is how I live my life."

Rodríguez, whom Neris claims is a good friend, appeared surprised and upset by the pitcher's actions and was held back while both teams spilled onto the field. No punches were thrown during the brief melee.

"Julio has been a friend dating back to 2020 when we spent the pandemic working out together. We have had a friendly competition when one beats the other on the field, something that is customary in the Dominican Republic and especially among friends," Neris explained. "My intent in going towards Julio was to get his attention as part of the friendly ongoing banter that we have had over the years.

"I recognize that last night I should not have gone towards him like I did. I did not mean to disrespect him, his family, or the Mariners. I do understand how my actions could be interpreted that way."

The incident clearly affected Rodríguez, who said Thursday that he has no plans to speak to Neris ever again, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times.

"I just have to be careful on who I trust, who I think is a friend, I think I have to review," the 22-year-old said, according to Shannon Drayer of MyNorthwest.com. Rodríguez also refused to confirm what exactly Neris yelled at him.

This isn't the first time that Neris, 34, has gotten into it with the Mariners. Last June, his HBP of Ty France sparked a benches-clearing incident between the division rivals.

The Mariners and Astros won't play again in 2023 unless they meet in the playoffs.