The Boston Red Sox came into the 2025 MLB season as a dark horse World Series contender after an eventful offseason that saw them trade for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet and sign Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency.
That’s why the team has come under fire after a disappointing 27-31 start to the season, highlighted by their current five-game losing streak.
In particular, Red Sox manager Alex Cora has faced a lot of heat, especially for his confusing pitching decisions during their current cold stretch.
Alex Cora Gets Criticism for Pitching Decisions
Red Sox fans are “done” with Cora after he decided to pull starter Bryan Bello at only 77 pitches following an error from outfielder Jarren Duran. Bello was doing a good job limiting hard contact, as highlighted by a solid line that included 4.2 innings with two runs allowed on three hits.
“This is plain and simply not on Brayan Bello today at 77 pitches, after an error in the field by Jarren Duran. … Red Sox manager Alex Cora yanking him in the 5th… I’m done with it. I’m done with Alex Cora. … I believe Cora is almost entirely ‘disconnected,'” said one fan on X.
This is plain and simply not on Brayan Bello today at 77 pitches, after an error in the field by Jarren Duran. Bello was not getting hit hard. He could have easily gone 6 IP today.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora yanking him in the 5th… I’m done with it. I’m done with Alex Cora.… https://t.co/C4zkQm7EZx pic.twitter.com/nNKr9kJMRn
— Ryan Martin (@remartin_34) May 28, 2025
The decision by Cora to pull Bello in the fifth inning was questionable. It wasn’t like Bello had a bad start, up to that point. It’s also reckless to unnecessarily add more workload on your bullpen.
“The guy has been checked out for four years now. The fact that they gave him an extension just show how disconnected ownership is with reality,” said another fan in response.
“It’s infuriating. He’s can’t help himself. How will we ever know if Bello can tough things out if Cora doesn’t let him. I’m so pissed. I don’t even care if it works. Long term it’s stubborn and ignorant,” replied one more user.
“Made no sense. You paid him the contract, let him perform when he’s competing well enough to give you more. Build up his confidence,” said another fan.
Made no sense. You paid him the contract, let him perform when he’s competing well enough to give you more. Build up his confidence.
— Mark N Foley (@marknfoley) May 29, 2025
However, not everyone blamed Cora: “I see you’re lost and you don’t know it,” said one more fan.
This move also disappointed Bello, as he stated that he felt “a bit frustrated” to be removed after only 77 pitches. This is a pitcher whose ability to pitch deep into games is one of his strong suits. This season, Bello already has five outings with 90+ pitches, while last year, he eclipsed 90 pitches in 16 starts.
In other words, it’s not like Bello is the type of pitcher that needs to have his workload managed. There was no reason for Cora to make a move like this, especially during a losing streak. Cora needs to make smarter decisions with his starting pitchers and let them try to pitch deeper into games before his bullpen gets overworked and starts to decline.
If the Red Sox don’t turn it around quickly, they could continue to fall behind in the AL East.
They are now 9.5 games back of the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. With the AL Central having four teams above .500, it’s going to be a crowded AL Wild Card race.
This is why maintaining a reasonable pace in the division is so important. There’s likely to be at least two playoff teams that come out of the AL Central, so having a chance to win the division is a must.