Cora sits Verdugo before Red Sox loss, takes 'responsibility' - ESPN

BOSTON — Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo was scratched from the starting lineup about two hours before the first pitch of a 5-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, and the decision became the focal point of manager Alex Cora's postgame media availability.

While Cora declined several opportunities from the media to get into specifics, he did mention often that it was «a manager's decision» and that «we need to be available, and one of us was not available.»

Cora, hired by the Red Sox in 2018, was blunt and short in answering questions after Boston's second loss in as many games this series, saying that «we took a step back as a team today.» He later labeled the day «one of the worst days of my time in this organization,» and he said, «I take responsibility.»

Verdugo met with reporters outside the clubhouse after the loss and reiterated his commitment to Cora and the club, saying, «It's his decision and that's what we went with.»

«It's a manager's decision and I respect his decision,» he said. «He's our coach, man. I take responsibility, but at the end of the day, it's his decision.»

In a 7-3 loss to Toronto on Friday night, Verdugo went 0-for-3, dropping his average to .270, before he was replaced by pinch hitter Rob Refsnyder. Cora mentioned Saturday that Verdugo was not replaced Friday for the same issue that surfaced on Saturday.

«As a manager, I have to take the charge of this,» Cora said. «I'm just taking care of the 26 guys [on the roster], and I decided he wasn't going to play.»

Verdugo, 27, has eight home runs and 41 RBIs this season.

«I've got ways to improve every day. You've always got room for improvement and room to grow,» Verdugo said. «Obviously, I have to be better.»

Adam Duvall took