Major League Baseball is reportedly investigating comments made by Red Sox manager Alex Cora that suggest his team intentionally targeted Aaron Judge with a pitch. As of Monday evening, the league had yet to reach a decision on the matter.
Cora hinted on Sunday that the Red Sox might have retaliated during Saturday’s game after Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole hit Rafael Devers with a pitch in the first inning and later intentionally walked him in the fourth. Cora, visibly upset, believed the walk indicated Cole’s earlier hit-by-pitch was no accident and stemmed from a desire to avoid Devers.
When asked about the situation on Sunday, Cora implied the matter was settled during the sixth inning of Saturday’s game, noting they had an opportunity but failed to take advantage of it.
During that inning, Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello threw a fastball behind Judge’s legs on the first pitch. While Judge wasn’t hit and later flew out, the intent seemed evident.
Judge unmoved by Red Sox plunking plan
Cora said he had a “professional” conversation with Judge after the game. Although Judge declined to share specifics, he expressed an understanding of the Red Sox’s perspective.
Judge acknowledged that incidents like this are part of baseball, especially after three Red Sox players were hit that day. He suggested the Red Sox were protecting their teammates, citing the sport’s tradition of self-policing.
“You play this game for a while, things like that happen,” Judge said after leading to Yankees series victory with his 53rd home run on Sunday. “I know they’re upset. I think three of their guys got hit that day. I think they’re just protecting their players. Something’s gotta happen. That’s the way this game gets policed and has been policed for 100 years. I think the biggest thing is, just don’t miss when you do it.”
In a pointed remark, Judge added that if teams choose to retaliate, they better be accurate.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
