Red Sox manager Alex Cora let off without suspension after controversial comments about targeting Aaron Judge: Reports
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has never been shy about showing his emotions. This time, he sparked an investigation with a questionable comment made on Saturday following a heated game against the New York Yankees. The veteran manager suggested that the team was looking for retribution after Boston's star was hit by a pitch.
"It was closed yesterday around the sixth inning. We had our chance. It didn't happen," Alex Cora said on Sunday about potentially retaliating for Gerrit Cole hitting Devers with a pitch.
It appeared that the situation that Cora was hinting at came when Boston Red Sox starter Brayan Bello threw a pitch down and in on Yankees superstar Aaron Judge. Although Bello missed Judge, an investigation was made regarding Cora's comment with the Red Sox manager to avoid any potential suspension, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.
Although it sure seems like the Boston Red Sox were looking to hit Aaron Judge on the play in question, the New York Yankees captain didn't think much of it. In an interview after the game, Judge explained that this type of play has taken place in the MLB for decades, saying that if you're going to throw at a batter, make sure that you don't miss.
Alex Cora's frustration began after Gerrit Cole hit Rafael Devers with a pitch
Cora was visibly frustrated following the Boston Red Sox's 7-1 victory over the New York Yankees. The manager made his feelings clear after the game, saying that he felt that Gerrit Cole intentionally hit Rafael Devers with a pitch because he did not want to face the superstar.
Although it's never easy to show the intent of a pitcher when a batter is struck with a ball, it's clear that Gerrit Cole did not want any of Devers during Saturday's matchup. During his first two plate appearances, Devers was hit by a pitch and intentionally walked.
Rafael Devers has posted a .350 batting average with 8 home runs and a 1.410 OPS against Cole in his career, so it's understandable that Cole's confidence could be low.
Although Alex Cora will not receive any punishment for his comments regarding the Red Sox potentially pitching at Aaron Judge, the one thing is the fact that the rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox is alive and well.