Current:Home > FinanceYankees' Alex Verdugo homers vs. Red Sox in return to Fenway – and lets them know about it -ValueCore
Yankees' Alex Verdugo homers vs. Red Sox in return to Fenway – and lets them know about it
View
Date:2025-04-19 21:10:55
BOSTON – Asked how he expected to be received as a visitor this weekend, returning to Fenway Park, Alex Verdugo replied: “Like a Yankee.’’
On cue, Verdugo's first swing on Friday night produced a two-run homer to center field off Brayan Bello, giving the Yankees a quick 2-0 lead against his former team.
Trotting around the bases, Verdugo heard the boos from Boston's fans - and the cheers of a large contingent of Yankees' fans - as he grandly gestured in celebration toward the visiting dugout.
Hours earlier, Verdugo called it “a special, weird day for me,’’ preparing to play against his old team, the Red Sox, with his new club – their despised, ancient rivals and the owners of MLB’s best record.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone switched Verdugo and Juan Soto defensively Friday, starting Verdugo in the familiar, expansive grounds of right field, taking advantage of his plus defense.
Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.
Soto was set to handle left field, with its famously shorter dimensions in the Green Monster’s shadow.
Across his three seasons (2021-23) with the Red Sox, Verdugo – the key figure in a trade that sent Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers – batted .278 and averaged a .751 OPS, 12 homers, 64 RBI and 147 games per season.
Verdugo entered this series batting .259 with a .733 OPS, eight homers and 37 RBI in 68 games, serving mostly as the Yankees’ unconventional cleanup hitter behind Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.
Verdugo’s last season in Boston was a lot more forgettable, with instances of lateness and lack of hustle that caused Red Sox manager Alex Cora to discipline the lefty hitter.
As he did in spring training, Verdugo said he’s maintained a good relationship with Cora.
“Our families like each other, our kids like each other. Off the field we have no problems at all,’’ said Verdugo. “A couple minor things, we bumped heads on - that’s fine.
“Not everybody’s always going to agree with things, but really, I’ve got nothing but respect for AC," adding that he’s “a little tired’’ of that subject.
veryGood! (655)
Related
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Selena Gomez Is Taking a Wrecking Ball to Any Miley Cyrus Feud Rumors
- Would a Texas law take away workers’ water breaks? A closer look at House Bill 2127
- USWNT general manager Kate Markgraf parts ways with team after early World Cup exit
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Maryland reports locally acquired malaria case for first time in more than 40 years
- Passenger who survived fiery crash that claimed 4 lives is facing charges
- David Byrne has regrets about 'ugly' Talking Heads split: 'I was more of a little tyrant'
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $460 Tote Bag for Just $99
Ranking
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Buc-ee's fan? This website wants to pay you $1,000 to try their snacks. Here's how to apply
- Ready to go 0-60? The new Ford Mustang GTD 2025 model is on its what. What you should know
- Georgia Medicaid program with work requirement off to slow start even as thousands lose coverage
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- How And Just Like That Gave Stanford Blatch a Final Ending After Willie Garson's Death
- US judge sides with Nevada regulators in fight over Utah bus firm’s intrastate v. interstate routes
- Brian Houston, Hillsong Church founder, found not guilty of concealing his father's child sex crimes
Recommendation
Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
Messi speaks publicly for 1st time since joining Inter Miami and says he’s happy with his choice
Brazil’s Bolsonaro accused by ex-aide’s lawyer of ordering sale of jewelry given as official gift
Federal appellate court dismisses challenge to New Jersey gun law
How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
The 10 best Will Ferrell movies, ranked (from 'Anchorman' to 'Barbie' and 'Strays')
USWNT general manager Kate Markgraf parts ways with team after early World Cup exit
Ohio woman says she found pennies lodged inside her McDonald's chicken McNuggets