Randy Arozarena released a statement through the Seattle Mariners on Saturday.
Arozarena went viral during the World Baseball Classic for his expletive-laced comments toward Cal Raleigh for blowing him off during Mexico’s matchup against the United States. The star outfielder reversed course in his statement, where he called himself and Raleigh “brothers and teammates.”
“I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don’t want it to be a distraction,” Arozarena said, per ESPN. “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.”
During the Match 9 game, Arozarena tried to shake Raleigh’s hand. The All-Star catcher did not extend the gesture, and Arozarena and other fans didn’t take too kindly to the snub.
Raleigh tried to downplay the situation, but he seemed to double down on not showing sportsmanship to his other Mariners teammates during the World Baseball Classic.
Seattle manager Dan Wilson admitted he wasn’t surprised to see Arozarena apologize for the situation.
“It doesn’t surprise me,” Wilson said, according to MLB.com, per ESPN. “That’s what we’ve talked about in that clubhouse. It’s just a special group. They love each other, and yeah, it’s time. I think we’re all ready to get back to Seattle and get this thing started.”
The defending American League West champions hope to repeat their run from last season and will open the season at T-Mobile Park against the Cleveland Guardians.
More MLB: Dodgers World Series Champion Dies; 9-Year MLB Veteran Caught No-Hitter