New York Mets deny Dodgers’ request to use markers to position their outfielders.

NEW YORK — Weird story today at Citi Field. It involves lasers and that’s probably the most interesting part.

First, the background: FoxSports.com reported earlier today that the Mets had an issue with the Dodgers’ use of laser rangefinders prior to games to position their outfielders, and subsequently using physical markers in the outfield during a game:

The Dodgers, after using the laser rangefinder, wanted to use markers on the playing surface to define the desired positions for their outfielders, and informed the Mets’ grounds crew of their plans.

Initially, the Mets grounds crew agreed that the Dodgers could leave two marks in center field and one in left. … The Mets’ grounds crew, however, told their superiors that the Dodgers informed them that if the markers were removed, Dodgers players would dig holes in the outfield with their cleats. The Mets then instructed their grounds crew to erase or obliterate anything they saw on the playing surface.

The Mets even reported what the Dodgers were doing to Major League baseball, a fact that surprised manager Dave Roberts since Roberts said “everyone’s doing it” — using lasers and markers to help position their outfielders.

Here’s more from Roberts on the topic:

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About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.