"He's really meant a lot to our lineup" - Yankees skipper Aaron Boone lauds Alex Verdugo on his return to the Fenway Park
On Friday, Alex Verdugo and the New York Yankees were up against their archrivals, the Boston Red Sox. This was also the first time Verdugo played against the Red Sox since his trade last winter following bitter moments with manager Alex Cora.
Verdugo showed up big time, rubbing salt on the Red Sox's fans with his four-RBI night, including a two-run home run, which helped the Yankees clinch an 8-1 victory at Fenway Park.
The two met again on Saturday, and in the third inning, Yankees manager Aaron Boone lauded his outfielder for the talent he brings to the team daily.
"It really is, you know, he's been he's been so good for us," Boone said. "You know on defense. At the plate big hits just doing a lot of big things within the game and been outstanding in our room. And yeah, he's really meant a lot to our lineup." [1:10 onwards].
Alex Verdugo reserves his respect for Alex Cora despite bad blood last season
Ahead of Friday's game between the Yankees and the Red Sox, Alex Verdugo and Alex Cora's relationship became the central story of the leadup. And why not, After all, both threw indirect jabs at each other last season.
However, ahead of this year's matchup, Verdugo mentioned that the issue between him and his manager was "overblown" and added that he respects Cora.
"I think it was overblown, for sure,” Verdugo said. “Everybody made it that, like, we can’t even be around each other. But really, he just wanted the best for me.
"We were grinding and going through some struggles. Sometimes, tempers flare when you’re not playing that well. It’s the kind of stuff that happens. Realistically, I’ve got nothing against him as a person, a father or a friend. We’re still all good in those regards." (via Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com).
Last season, Alex Cora made an example of Alex Verdugo's attitude towards the game, sidelining him in games when he was still available. That built up the frustration for Verdugo, who then appreciated Aaron Boone while taking an indirect shade at Cora when he was traded.
However, now it seems all is settled as Verdugo seeks his first World Series ring with the Yankees this season.