The Boston Red Sox are navigating a pivotal season under manager Alex Cora, with heightened expectations following last year's postseason breakthrough. The team is adapting to the new ABS challenge system, adding another layer of complexity for Cora and his squad.
In a recent clash against the Cincinnati Reds, Cora faced his first ejection of the 2026 season during a tense 6-5 extra innings loss. The incident arose from a disputed check swing call on Trevor Story, leading to a heated exchange with home plate umpire CB Bucknor.
Cora, frustrated that Bucknor didn’t consult the first-base umpire, expressed his displeasure, acknowledging the human element in officiating. "He has one job to do; it’s call balls and strikes," Cora remarked, noting Bucknor's struggles and the challenges of the system.
At the time, Boston was trailing 5-4 and had already exhausted their ABS challenges early in the game. Despite this setback, Wilyer Abreu managed to tie the game in the ninth with a clutch home run. However, the Reds clinched the win with Dane Myers' RBI single in the 11th, leveling the series.
Postgame, Cora took responsibility for the loss, despite disagreeing with several umpiring decisions. He acknowledged the early loss of ABS challenges as a significant factor.
"We learned a lot today," Cora reflected. "There were calls we didn’t agree with, but without challenges, we had to accept them."
The Red Sox's performance was shaky, with starting pitcher Sonny Gray conceding three runs over four innings in his debut. Additionally, unsuccessful reviews by catcher Carlos Narvaez and outfielder Roman Anthony left the team without challenges from the third inning onward.
The Red Sox are discovering the ups and downs of the ABS system, and while it presents challenges, Cora and his team are determined to adapt and thrive in this new era of baseball.