Former Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo has been struggling in his first season with the Yankees, but a recent discovery may explain his performance. During an All-Star break doctor’s appointment, Verdugo learned that he is allergic to cobalt and chromate, two chemicals found in his Franklin batting gloves. He had been dealing with pain in his hands and fingers since his second season with the Red Sox, often wrapping his knuckles in gauze and tape due to blisters and scabbing.
Verdugo’s tattoos, which contain metal ink, could also be a potential cause of the allergy as suggested by allergist Dr. Arthur Lubitz. While it is rare for people to be allergic to cobalt and chromate, Verdugo’s struggles with hand pain have been ongoing since his time in Boston. Despite the discomfort, he had a relatively successful run with the Red Sox, hitting .281 with a .761 OPS over four seasons.
However, his performance has declined since joining the Yankees, with his batting average dropping to .195 and his OPS to .533 since June 15. This slump has coincided with the team’s worst stretch of the season, going 22-27 in the last 49 games Verdugo has played. While unusual, allergies affecting sports performance are not unheard of, as seen with former NHL star Marian Hossa retiring due to an allergic reaction to his equipment causing eczema. Verdugo’s struggles may have a tangible explanation in his newly discovered allergies, shedding light on his recent performance decline.
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