Red Sox manager Alex Cora benched outfielder Alex Verdugo prior to Saturday’s 5-4 loss to the Blue Jays, calling it a “manager’s decision.”
Cora said Verdugo “wasn’t available” and elected to not specify why. He reiterated that everyone needs to be available moving forward and was “very disappointed” with the way the day unfolded as a whole.
“This is probably one of my worst days here in this organization,” a visibly frustrated Cora said postgame.
He said the Red Sox “took a step back” as a team, adding that he feels responsible as a leader.