Report: Mets ask MLB to investigate Dodgers' OF positioning tactics

The New York Mets apparently believe the Los Angeles Dodgers are taking this defensive shifting thing a bit too far.

The team has reportedly asked Major League Baseball to investigate the Dodgers' attempt to mark positions for their outfielders prior to Friday's game between the clubs at Citi Field, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

The Dodgers, sources told Rosenthal, informed the Mets that they wanted to mark spots in the outfield for defensive positioning after using an electronic laser before the game. The Mets supposedly allowed the visitors to leave three marks, but apparently changed their minds after receiving word that Dodgers outfielders would dig holes with their cleats if the marks were removed.

A Dodgers official responded to the report by telling Rosenthal the team wasn't "trying to be sneaky."

Using electronic devices like a laser during games for on-field purposes is prohibited by MLB, though a league official said there's no indication of any in-game use by the Dodgers.

MLB did tell Rosenthal that it's aware of the Dodgers using laser pointers before games and that the league is investigating the matter.

Other teams reportedly noticed the Dodgers marking up Dodger Stadium's outfield, likely for positioning purposes, according to Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times.

The Dodgers are known as a progressive organization that's embraced tactics such as advanced defensive positioning. One aspect of their defensive innovations was seen on Friday, when a fan tweeted a video of what he said was outfielder Howie Kendrick checking his phone during the game. Injured pitcher Brett Anderson corrected the fan later, noting that Kendrick was examining a defensive alignment chart.

The Mets and Dodgers are set to continue their weekend set in Queens on Saturday night. New York took Friday's game 6-5.