MLB Decides Against Suspending Red Sox Manager Alex Cora After Heated Rivalry Game
In an eventful game at Fenway Park on Saturday, Major League Baseball made the decision not to suspend Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora following his post-game remarks that hinted at retaliatory actions. The league undertook an investigation after Cora's comments suggested that the Red Sox tried to hit New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge in response to Yankees ace Gerrit Cole allegedly targeting Rafael Devers.
Despite the heated exchange and post-game speculation, MLB's inquiry into the incident did not uncover sufficient evidence to warrant any punitive measures against Cora. The tension between the storied rivals was palpable throughout the game, culminating in a dominant 7-1 victory for the Red Sox.
During the fourth inning, Cole opted for an intentional walk of Red Sox third baseman Devers, despite there being no baserunners and only one out. This strategic choice raised eyebrows and seemed to lend credence to Cora's later assertions.
In the sixth inning, Red Sox starter Brayan Bello threw the first pitch behind Judge’s knees, narrowly missing the Yankees' powerhouse. This incident further heightened the already simmering tensions on the field.
“I felt like the first at-bat, he hit him on purpose. He doesn’t wanna face him, that’s the bottom line. He told us with the intentional walk that the first at-bat he hit him. We’ll leave it at that. After that, he had bases loaded and had to face him,” Cora remarked post-game. His comments reflected the animosity brewing between the two teams.
Prior to Saturday's showdown, Devers had an impressive .341 batting average against Cole, with eight home runs out of 41 at-bats. Notably, all of these homers came between 2021 and 2024, highlighting the intense individual rivalry within the greater team competition.
Their last encounter on July 6 had seen Devers homer during his third and final at-bat against Cole, a moment that undoubtedly added fuel to Saturday's already fiery game. The Red Sox's offensive onslaught concluded with Cole being pummeled by the red-hot Red Sox bats, culminating in a resounding 7-1 loss for the Yankees.
Cora’s pointed comments extended beyond mere speculation. “We took exception to (the HBP) because it was loud and clear that he didn’t want to face him. It was intentional, I’m not gonna back off. It was intentional,” Cora stated emphatically.
“It was closed [Saturday] around the sixth inning. We had our chance. It didn’t happen,” Cora added, underscoring his view that the game had presented moments of conspicuous intent by the Yankees pitcher.
In a rivalry steeped in history, such incidents only serve to add layers of drama and intrigue. Although MLB's investigation concluded without definitive action, the events of Saturday's game at Fenway Park have undoubtedly stoked the fires of one of baseball's most enduring feuds.