The Mariners are looking to move on from the story surrounding Randy Arozarena’s exchange with Cal Raleigh at the World Baseball Classic. Arozarena issued a second statement on the matter, hoping it would be the final chapter.
Arozarena’s Apology and Desire to Move Forward
Arozarena stated, “I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don’t want it to be a distraction.” He added, “Cal and I have talked and I apologized for what I said after the game. Nothing in the WBC takes away from the fact that we are brothers and teammates. He’s family, and we are both focused on helping the Mariners win the World Series.”
This statement was more detailed than his initial one upon returning from the Classic, which didn’t mention Raleigh by name and saw Arozarena decline to answer questions.
Raleigh’s Initial Reaction and Remorse
Raleigh addressed the situation on March 9, via FaceTime with three Mariners reporters. He expressed remorse regarding the perception of disrespect Arozarena felt when Raleigh didn’t shake his hand in the batter’s box during their WBC matchup.
“I reached out to Randy and told him, essentially, ‘I’m sorry if you felt disrespected,’ or whatever it may be,” Raleigh said. “But we’re just playing the game. I think he would want the same if I was his teammate and we were playing somebody in a playoff game. Or he’d want that same kind of energy from me. So I think that’s kind of how I see it. And I reached out and put it to bed.”
Reintegration and Team Focus
Raleigh has been back with the Mariners in Arizona. The two were in the same Cactus League lineup against the A’s. They were seen going through the customary fist-pump line after a 6-4 win. Arozarena also slapped Raleigh on the area that’s earned him the most recognizable nickname in the sport.
Both players were also in Saturday’s Cactus League lineup vs. the Cubs. Arozarena’s statement was released about 90 minutes before first pitch. Raleigh was going through his pregame catching routine and was not available for immediate comment.
Arozarena’s initial statement upon returning to camp read: “We didn’t get the results we wanted with Team Mexico, but I’m glad to be back in camp with my teammates. The WBC is behind us now, and I don’t want anything to take away from the Mariners. I’m focused on the season and helping this team compete for a World Series.”
With both players seemingly ready to move past the incident, the Mariners hope to focus on the upcoming season and their World Series aspirations.