MLB to look into Dykstra's umpire blackmail claims

KANSAS CITY -- Major League Baseball will investigate comments by former Mets and Phillies star Lenny Dykstra that he spent $500,000 hiring private investigators to dig up dirt on umpires that he used to influence their strike zones.

Dykstra made the claim Tuesday on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd on FOX Sports. The alleged actions took place before the 1993 season when Dykstra helped lead the Phillies to the World Series, finishing second to Barry Bonds in balloting for the National League Most Valuable Player Award, and eventually earning a lucrative contract extension.

"It wasn't a coincidence you think I led the league in walks the next few years, was it?" Dykstra said on the show. "I had to do what I had to do to win and to support my family."