Alex Verdugo is known for playing with a ton of fire, and that was fully showcased in his debut with the Red Sox.
The right fielder had his first start with Boston in his 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday at Fenway Park. He went 3 for 4 with a run scored, but it was something that happened near the end of the game that caught everyone’s attention.
NESN cameras saw Verdugo engage in heated discussion with the referees as they stepped out onto the field at the start of the ninth inning. He was then seen on the bench still screaming before being calmed down by his teammates and coaches.
(You can see the video of the incident here)
At the time, it was unclear why he was so angry, but Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke explained after the game what caused the frustration.
“Yeah, it was just that we had a wait time and he was at third base and he stayed there too long and they were talking and he didn’t come back to second base (fast enough),” Roenicke said. “There was a little jaw, but it was fine.”
Verdugo said: “It was just a small lack of communication, that was really it. I think they had a pitching change, I was second during the pitching change and would speak to my third base coach. And we were talking a little bit too much and I forgot I was second, so I didn’t go second. And the referee just told me to go back to second position and make sure I don’t do it again or try to get a free base. We had a little round trip. At the end of the day, I think we are all good, it is baseball, the heat of the moment, but we are working hard doing everything possible. And hey, sometimes emotions are going to explode a little bit. ”
Executioner was not expelled.
Thumbnail photo via Paul Rutherford / USA TODAY Sports Images
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