Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty Takes High Road After Hitting Randy Arozarena
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty had high praise for Randy Arozarena, even after their fiery exchange in Wednesday’s 8-4 win over the Seattle Mariners.
The right-hander hit Arozarena with a pitch in the beginning of the second frame. The left fielder wasn’t happy by Flaherty’s error and made it clear. The pair exchanged words as Flaherty walked to the dugout.
Despite the heated interaction, Flaherty had nothing but good things to say about Arozarena postgame.
“I respect Randy as a player. He’s been really good in this league as long as he’s been here,” Flaherty said. “No reason for me to hit him in that position. He took exception to it. I have nothing but respect for guys who are really good in this league. We said what we said already.”
Tensions ran high in Wednesday’s matchup with the Mariners. The fiery exchange between the right-hander and Arozarena caused both benches to clear.
Flaherty never disclosed what he said to Arozarena, but shared he respected the left fielder.
“It really doesn’t matter. It’ll stay between the lines,” Flaherty said. “We said what we had to say. It’s all good. I’ve got nothing but respect for the guy.”
Following the intense interaction, Arozarena received several boos from Dodgers fans every time he stepped up to the plate.
Based on Flaherty’s comments, it’s clear the right-hander moved on from the heated exchange soon after it happened but it certainly had Dodgers fans on the edge of their seat.
Flaherty posted five strikeouts and allowed just two runs on five hits through 5.2 innings pitched. The Burbank native has a 3.22 ERA and has made four starts for Los Angeles.
It was a solid outing from the right-hander that helped the Dodgers gain a stronger lead in the National League West division race.
After the three-game sweep of the Mariners, Los Angeles is now four games ahead in the division. However, it’s almost a guarantee that the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks won’t back down in the quest to dethrone the Dodgers.
Los Angeles has won 10 of its last 13 games. Newcomers like Flaherty have aided the Dodgers in maintaining a lead that was on the brink of slipping away.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
