Alfredo Aceves may be unpredictable and unconventional, but this kind of unpredictability and unconventionality is welcomed.
Aceves, who turned some heads with questionable behavior earlier in spring training after a rocky last season with the Red Sox, got the approving nod of his team Monday afternoon when he did something that’s become a rarity in the game. After putting in his innings, he stayed on the bench with his teammates rather than heading into the clubhouse.
“I thought that was pretty interesting,” Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo said, according to ESPN. “I think it speaks volumes about what Alfredo means to this team. He came back in, he was engaged, he was rooting us on. It was nice to see. Kind of a throwback moment.”
Aceves wouldn’t take any extra credit or attention for the move, choosing to smooth it over in much of the same way he has with actions that have skewed in the other direction.
“What is important for me is to be with my teammates,” he said. “I want us to win. I want the best for us. Whatever I can do to help, they’re going to get that.”
Aceves has had an up-and-down MLB career, showing clear talent but tending to act out when things don’t go his way. The Yankees cut him loose in 2010, and he’s pitched with the Red Sox since. While he’s been a durable long-inning reliever, he has said repeatedly that he wants to be a starter in the major leagues.
