When a team is struggling, the last thing you need is public finger-pointing. But that's exactly what happened in Queens this week, and it's raising some eyebrows around the baseball world.

The New York Mets, a team that entered the season with sky-high expectations, continue to spiral. In an attempt to patch things up, they recently claimed infielder Andy Ibáñez off waivers from the Athletics. Just over a week later, he was designated for assignment.

It was a short, unkind stint. In his first game at third base, Ibáñez committed multiple throwing errors. Offensively, he went 0-for-6. Not the fresh start anyone was hoping for.

But here's where it gets uncomfortable. When asked about the errors, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza didn't mince words. "Those are routine plays," he told reporters, via SNY. "At this level, you expect those plays to be made; it's as simple as that."

Now, he's not wrong. Routine plays need to be made. But calling out a player—especially one who just joined the team and was immediately let go—feels like a misstep. With the Mets already dealing with a mountain of issues, publicly embarrassing a veteran on the way out doesn't help anyone.

In a clubhouse that's already searching for answers, moments like these can do more harm than good. The Mets need to find their footing, but throwing players under the bus isn't the way to get there.