Cal Lowry’s Tension with Mariners Teammates During WBC
Cal Lowry has been quite vocal about his irritation towards his Mariners teammates who are now playing for opposing teams in the World Baseball Classic. This week, during a match against Mexico, he notably ignored MLB teammate Randy Arozarena’s handshake. Similarly, during Team USA’s quarterfinal win over Canada on Friday night in Houston, Lowry declined to shake hands with Canada’s Josh Naylor.
In the first inning of the game, which Team USA won 5-3, Naylor celebrated behind the plate, but his actions didn’t surprise anyone on the Mariners roster. It seems Lowry’s stance is clear.
Post-game, Naylor commented, “Everyone was just joking. They were really trying to lighten the mood.” He mentioned that he had emailed Lowry beforehand about his plan to celebrate, to which Lowry responded, “Please don’t.” Naylor went on to praise Lowry, calling him a great teammate and one of his favorites throughout his career. He expressed his happiness about being traded to the Mariners last year, highlighting the positive experience of sharing a locker room with Lowry.
Naylor also noted that Lowry said, “Nice to meet you, brother,” during their exchange, indicating he wasn’t as bothered by the snub as Arozarena had been earlier in the week. Arozarena had, in a rather harsh remark to a Mexican journalist, told Lowry to “fuck off” and “go to hell.” Following that game, Lowry remarked he had “no opinion” regarding Arozarena.
According to reports, Team USA players had made an agreement prior to the tournament not to socialize with those from other teams, likely emphasizing the seriousness of the competition.
Lowry stated, “These aren’t just exhibition games. I have a responsibility to my teammates and my country to stay focused and do everything I can to win.”
Arozarena and Naylor are expected to return to Mariners camp soon, with Lowry joining them after Team USA’s schedule wraps up. They are set to face the Dominican Republic in the semifinals on Sunday.
Naylor concluded with a lighthearted note about their relationship, saying, “I love Cal and wish him the best. I can’t wait to see him in the locker room when I get back to Arizona and joke around with him.”
