Mets Pitcher Slams Twitter Fans For Harassing His Wife After Poor Outing

Jordan Yamamoto is fine with New York Mets fans criticizing him. After being torched for five runs in a 5-1 loss to the Marlins on Sunday, the starting pitcher knows that's part of being a professional athlete.

What Yamamoto doesn't want to see is fans attacking his wife. Apparently that was an issue following the rough performance, and Yamamoto took to Twitter on Monday morning to address it in a long statement.

"I will address this once and once only. I know Twitter is sometimes not a very nice place and to some of you it may seem fun to troll people. But you don't go and harass my WIFE," he said. "She isn't the only playing the game nor wearing the uniform. If you should be trolling anyone, it should be me.

"Tag me and comment on my posts, it is my fault and my fault alone. I gave up those 5 runs. My own errors and lack of focus got away from me that inning. So don't go and harass her! Because I understand as a professional athlete, that comes with the territory. They don't deserve that! No one deserves that. We preach love and compassion towards one another."

That Yamamoto had to come out and say that is yet further proof that people are too often unnecessarily ruthless on social media, especially Twitter. Having the ability to hide behind fake names and profiles gives people courage they wouldn't have otherwise.

It's certainly a toxic environment.

Still, Yamamoto did want to take the time to show appreciation for those who stuck up for his wife. As bad as it can be on social media, it can also be good. The 25-year-old pitcher wanted to make sure and acknowledge both sides.

"With all that being said, I truly appreciate the true fan base for sticking up for my wife when they saw those nasty tweets. So thank you," he continued. "Also we are moving onward and upward! That game is in the past and it is time to move to today because we have a new series and a new day to get better and be better! Much Love #MetsTwitter."

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.