Javier Báez, acquired last week by the New York Mets from the Chicago Cubs, hasn't exactly endeared himself to Cincinnati Reds fans this season.
Just before Báez was traded, he had a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth inning of the Chicago Cubs' 6-5 win against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field off of Reds relief pitcher Amir Garrett, with whom Báez has exchanged words, looks and gestures on several occasions throughout the season.
Báez shouted at Garrett and took about 16 seconds to reach first base on the walk-off hit, but wasn't suspended by Major League Baseball. MLB's Twitter account shared video with the caption "Javy called game."
Earlier this week, Báez had to be restrained during an exchange with Miami Marlins pitcher Richard Bleier. And when Báez homered Thursday against the Marlins, he made gestures while rounding the bases that some thought might be directed toward Bleier. But Báez told reporters the gestures were directed toward fans who had been heckling him.
"I'm not this type of guy bringing trouble to the field," Báez said after Thursday's game.
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In May, Báez was not suspended for his role in a benches-clearing incident against the Reds despite climbing over a dugout railing onto the field and appearing to challenge Garrett to a fight at the outset of a skirmish between the teams during the eighth inning. Garrett was suspended for five games.
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