Former Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo made headlines during the Yankees’ 14-4 win over Boston on Saturday at Yankee Stadium, with his 32-second home run trot tying the game in the third inning. This was Verdugo’s longest trot of the season, with an average trot time of 27.6 seconds. The Red Sox traded Verdugo to New York in December, and some wondered if the Red Sox took exception to his slow trot, but manager Alex Cora dismissed any issues, noting they allowed Verdugo to take his time back when he played for Boston.
Cora also mentioned that Red Sox player Rafael Devers had a bat flip celebration after a go-ahead homer in the fifth inning, perhaps in response to Verdugo’s earlier trot. Devers stated that celebrations and reactions are just part of the game and not worth getting upset over. This game marked Verdugo’s return to Yankee Stadium after being traded and he also hit two home runs against the Dodgers last year, his former team before Boston.
Despite some speculation about tensions and retaliation, the players involved insisted that celebrations and responses are simply part of the sport. Verdugo has had some of the longest home run trots by a Yankees player this season, with pitcher Josh Winckowski acknowledging that Verdugo’s reactions are just part of his personality. Overall, the game showcased some emotional moments on both sides but players expressed that these actions are a natural part of baseball.
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Photo credit www.masslive.com