Jonathan Papelbon calls out Yankees’ outfielder Alex Verdugo on social media, calling him a ‘bitch’
Former Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo was formally introduced to the New York media on Thursday following his trade to the Yankees earlier this month.
During his zoom post-trade press conference, Verdugo talked about his excitement to wear pinstripes and play for skipper Aaron Boone. He also spoke freely on how former manager Alex Cora failed to have players backs.
"I'm very, very excited to work with (Aaron) Boone. I've seen the way he's had his players' backs," Verdugo said. "The one that sticks out to me is when he said 'These guys are savages," and he's yelling at the umpire. That's something I want to see out of my head coach, man. I want to see some fire, some fight for the guys. I think just instead of airing people out, have their backs. I'm really excited for this fresh start and just to kind of get with the guys and really just change the narrative, man. Just go out there, play hard, work hard and just have fun."
Cora and Verdugo’s relationship went south after the outfielder was benched two times last season for a lack of hustle and showing up late to the ballpark.
Former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon saw Verdugo’s comments and took to social media to call out him out.
"Verdugo I mean Vertigo is a bitch,” Papelbon posted on X. “Cora has his players and teammates backs more than anyone in the game. You aired yourself out by being late, lazy and unproductive. If I played for Cora I’m drilling this bitch, just saying."
Papelbon’s response is notable given his role working as an analyst for NESN covering the Red Sox.
Earlier this week, Papelbon was announced alongside Trot Nixon and Dustin Pedroia as members of the Red Sox Hall of Fame next season.
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I'M 1000% W/ Jonathan Papelbon's views. After all YAZ was benched for non-hussle back in the day. Baby-Alex will grow up someday. After all, he's making too much $$ as it is !!!!!!!! Go SOX