Mets to Ask Waivers on Foster Today

CHICAGO — The New York Mets will ask waivers on George Foster today for the purpose of giving the outfielder his unconditional release, the team announced Wednesday.

Foster, 37, who has hit 347 home runs in his career, was batting only .228 this season and had recently lost his starting left-field position to rookie Kevin Mitchell.

Earlier, Foster said he thought his benching was racially motivated. “When a ballclub can, they replace a George Foster or a Mookie Wilson with a more popular white player,” Foster said.

Met General Manager Frank Cashen said he would not “dignify” the remark with a comment.