Stroman blasts Grichuk: 'Continue to underachieve and talk shit'

Marcus Stroman and Randal Grichuk jump-started the rivalry between the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays, who will meet during MLB's realigned 60-game season.

After Stroman was notified by followers that Grichuk liked a tweet from retired MLBer Aubrey Huff accusing the then-Jays starter of kicking 30 minor leaguers out of the weight room during spring training last year, Stroman said the two were "probably best friends" and insinuated that Grichuk is racist.

Huff has been tied to numerous controversies, which include advocating gun use in the event of a Bernie Sanders presidency and criticizing his former club for hiring a female coach. The San Francisco Giants barred Huff from attending their 10-year reunion of the 2010 World Series.

Shortly afterward, Grichuk attempted to explain himself.

"I did not like the tweet because (Stroman) liked tweets bashing me last year," Grichuk wrote. "This is nothing personal. I liked it because it is true. It's a (known) story around players in the (Blue Jays') team/system."

When asked if the story was true, Stroman called it "completely false," and stated that the Jays outfielder was "lying."

Stroman also responded directly to Grichuk.

"You've done nothing but talk about me behind my back. Consistently," the former All-Star tweeted. "I've always kept my mouth shut and let it slide. Ask YOUR teammates and Canada who they rather have on their team ... you or me. I already know the answer. Continue to underachieve and talk shit about teammates!"

The Mets and Blue Jays are scheduled to meet for a three-game set from Sept. 11-13. The Jays will serve as the home team, though the club has not yet finalized where their home stadium will be during the pandemic-shortened season.

Grichuk was acquired by the Blue Jays from the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 2018 campaign. Stroman then played with the outfielder until he was traded to the Mets in July 2019.