Report: Mets' Francisco Lindor Grabbed Jeff McNeil by the Throat in May Altercation

New York Mets infielders Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil got involved in a physical altercation in the clubhouse tunnel during a May 7 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

As Puma explained, the issue came after a dispute about positioning on a defensive shift:

"The shortstop Lindor, frustrated by the second baseman’s latest positioning gaffe and their ensuing argument, grabbed McNeil by the throat and pinned him against a wall in the tunnel, according to multiple industry sources. Before the situation could escalate, Mets players hearing the commotion arrived to break it up."

Some commotion was captured by the television broadcast between innings, showing multiple players running into the dugout and into the tunnel. 

After the game, Lindor told reporters there was simply an argument over whether they saw a rat or raccoon in the dugout:

McNeil also denied there was an altercation at the time.

"They can believe whatever they want," McNeil said after Lindor's story was met with skepticism. "We're a tight-knit group. Everybody loves everybody."

Though the players stood by their story, then-Mets general manager Zack Scott didn't confirm it.

"You'd have to ask the players that, why they chose to handle it that way," Scott said a day later. "It's definitely not how I'd go."

As Puma explained, tension between the two players had been building for multiple weeks with McNeil reportedly dismissive of Lindor. 

"[Lindor] would always try to get him to move and Jeff would be like, 'Shut up, I got it,'" a club source said. "It was building and building."

McNeil had at least two more defensive miscues before the May 7 one that led to the altercation.

Lindor was in his first year with the Mets after a trade from Cleveland last offseason, although he did have two Gold Glove awards with four All-Star selections on his resume. McNeil was in his fourth year with the team but had rotated around several positions during his tenure.

This middle infield combination didn't last to the end of the year as McNeil mostly played left field after Javier Baez was acquired in a trade from the Chicago Cubs.