MLB, police investigating after Angels player tries to hit A's fan in viral video

Police in Oakland, California, have launched an investigation after Los Angeles Angels star Anthony Rendon took a swing at an Oakland A’s fan Thursday night time in a confrontation that was caught on video.

Main League Baseball can also be stated to be trying into the altercation, KTLA sister station KRON reviews.

The video, which was posted to Twitter, exhibits the Angels’ third baseman confronting an attendee within the stands, after claiming he had been insulted by the spectator. The incident came about the night time the A’s beat their AL West rivals 2-1 on the Oakland Coliseum.

The fan within the video didn’t contact the Oakland Police Division, however officers confirmed they’re investigating the incident as “battery.”

“What did you say?” Rendon might be heard asking the fan, whereas grabbing him by the shirt. The fan replies with one thing inaudible.

Rendon then replies, “Yeah, you known as me a b—-, huh?”

The fan, shaking his head in denial, suggests he didn’t name the two-time Silver Slugger that phrase. (Another video seems to point out the identical A’s fan shouting on the gamers simply earlier than Rendon stops, however it’s unclear what he is saying.)

“Yeah, you probably did. Yeah, m—–f—–,” Rendon says, nonetheless holding the fan’s shirt.

Rendon then releases the person’s shirt and seems to attempt to hit or slap him within the head earlier than strolling away. The fan was capable of again up and dodge Rendon’s hand.

A viral video of the altercation, shared by The Athletic’s MLB-specific Twitter account, had garnered over 9 million views by Saturday.

“A swing and a miss appears fairly on-brand right here,” one of many clip’s viewers commented on the Twitter put up, seemingly in reference to Rendon going 0-for-3 and hanging out twice on Thursday.

The Angels didn’t touch upon the matter however stated Rendon shall be out there to make statements earlier than Saturday’s sport in opposition to the A’s in Oakland, in response to The Athletic.

Each the A’s and Angels are scheduled to play Saturday at 1:07 p.m.

The Related Press contributed to this report.