Jonathan Papelbon made a few things clear: He doesn't like Alex Verdugo and the work ethic he brings to the baseball field.
Papelbon called Verdugo a “bitch” on X in December after the Yankees' new outfielder appeared to criticize Red Sox captain and former manager Alex Cora. He spoke about his feelings on Wednesday's “Foul Territory” show.
When asked about his previous comments, the former closer doubled down and said why he feels that way about the 27-year-old Verdugo.
“When I got up to the big leagues, I never left anywhere and after I left I just blew up everyone,” Papelbon said. “Hey, I got a little pissed off about that. It's not just because I played with Alex Cora, or Alex Cora is my friend. It has nothing to do with that. It's the baseball gods. And it has everything to do with the way baseball is played. And I thought that was a bitch move. Don't go somewhere and then call everyone out on it.”
After the Yankees made the trade to acquire Verdugo in December, he said he was initially “furious” about the move.
He didn't play in a game two months earlier last season due to lack of energy, and Cora reportedly benched him for being late for a game in August.
In December, while Verdugo praised Yankees manager Aaron Boone, he seemed to be a little overshadowed by his former manager.
“I'm very, very excited to be working with Aaron.” [Boone]'' Verdugo said after joining the Bronx Bombers. “I've seen how he supported his players. One scene that sticks out to me is when he yells at the referee, saying, 'These guys are savages.' is.
“That's what I want to see in a head coach. I want to see fire, I want to see guys fighting for guys. I think you should have people's backs instead of putting them out. is really excited about this new start and just getting to know the guys a little bit and really changing the story, dude. Just going out there, playing hard, working hard, and just… have fun.”
At that time, Papelbon claimed to X that if he threw it for Cora, he would “punish this bitch.”
“Look, I played 30 games last year on NESN, and I'm feeling like I was before the game. And this guy is going to come as soon as I show up on the field,” Papelbon added on “Foul Territory” on Wednesday. . “Some people, like the Chargers, rev up their engines. 'Guys, I'm in the park. Look at me.' You know what I'm saying, right? And you're late. Nobody. I don't want to play with those guys. Nobody wants to play with them.”
Papelbon, who saved 368 games in his career and won the 2007 World Series with the Red Sox, said Boston didn't have a player in the clubhouse last year who could say, “No more.”
“He more or less rode out of town on his own,” Papelbon added.
Later, when Papelbon was asked if anyone from the Yankees could get Verdugo in shape and get him to the park on time.
“One thing I know: I don't want him on the team.” …Will that work in New York? Yes, it works. ”
Verdugo was originally acquired by the Red Sox as part of Mookie Betts' blockbuster hit and hit .281/.338/.424 with 43 home runs in four seasons with Boston.
He currently joins Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Trent Grisham and Giancarlo Stanton in the Yankees' outfield.
