Alex Verdugo

Verdugo benched for lack of hustle, won't play Thursday vs. Guardians

Alex Cora gave an update on the situation before Thursday's game in Cleveland.

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Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo is not in the lineup for Thursday night's series finale versus the Guardians in Cleveland, and it's not because he's just getting a day off.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters Thursday evening that Verdugo was benched Wednesday night for his lack of hustle on a grounder hit by Masataka Yoshida in the seventh inning of a 5-2 loss to the Guardians. Verdugo didn't run very hard to second base and it resulted in the inning-ending out. A little more effort from Verdugo would have resulted in two baserunners with Justin Turner and Rafael Devers next in the order during a key juncture of the game.

Cora did add that Verdugo will return to the lineup when the Red Sox begin a three-game series against the rival New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Friday night.

Verdugo is hitting .286 with five home runs, 24 RBI and a .364 on-base percentage in 59 games played.

The Red Sox sit in last place in the American League East at 31-31, including a 3-7 record in their last 10 games.

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