Kinsler regrets using profanity on field after big homer

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Ian Kinsler says he regrets using profanity during an emotional outburst after hitting a pivotal three-run home run for the San Diego Padres on Thursday night and maintained he was firing up his teammates and not taking a shot at fans.

Kinsler hollered and gestured as he touched the plate in the 4-3 win against Pittsburgh, and again in the dugout.

Kinsler has been criticized by fans as he’s struggled since joining the Padres on an $8 million, two-year deal. Many fans, particularly on social media, felt it was directed at them.

“The only thing that I do regret is doing it on the field in front of everybody, so everyone can interpret it their own way,” Kinsler said before Friday night’s game, when he was due to start at second base and bat leadoff.

Asked if he wanted to say anything to fans who thought he was directing it at them, to clear things up, he said, “No.”