BET À DAY
Outfielder Alex Verdugo really doesn't appreciate Toronto Blue Jays gunner Alek Manoah and his reactions on the field.
Passing by the podcast “Baseball Isn’t Boring,” the Boston Red Sox player claimed the pitcher went overboard by waxing after teammates during a game last year.
“I will tell you: I think Alek Manoah is doing things the wrong way. 100%, I believe it,” Verdugo said.
“Last year, he was telling 'Franchy' [Cordero] and Bobby [Dalbec] to go sit down, and bullshit like that.”
“It makes me angry. Rather, he should be celebrating with his team and not disrespecting another player, who ultimately is just trying to compete. That's all.”
The alleged Manoah actions Verdugo refers to took place during a July 2022 matchup, when the right-hander struck out Cordero and Dalbec in the same inning. The Blue Jays then won this duel presented at Fenway Park.
Verdugo clarified that he was not against showing his emotions on the field. However, yelling at an opponent is “something different” in his eyes.
“It crosses the line of disrespect,” he said. I don't play that way. I don't like that bullshit.”
It will be interesting to see the first matchup between Verdugo and Manoah in 2023, which is set to be held in Boston on May 1.