Why Garrett Crochet Apologized To Red Sox’s Alex Cora After Being Pulled

Garrett Crochet didn’t like seeing Alex Cora emerge from the dugout in the sixth inning, but he also didn’t mean any disrespect toward the Red Sox manager.

Crochet, who leads MLB in innings pitched, was pulled after 5 1/3 against the New York Mets on Wednesday. He allowed one run on five hits and one walk, another strong outing for the left-handed workhorse. But Cora and company made the pregame decision to limit Crochet’s pitch count and thus Crochet was pulled earlier than usual in an eventual 5-1 loss at Fenway Park.

“I was frustrated,” Crochet told reporters after the game, per NESN’s Tim Crowley. “Just wanted a chance to pick up my teammates in the bullpen. They’ve obviously worked really hard this series, and I wanted to try and keep them out of it as much as possible.”

Crochet’s in-the-moment reaction, however, ultimately prompted him to apologize to Cora.

“I apologized for yelling a curse word on the field when I saw him coming out there,” Crochet said. “I wasn’t trying to show him up. I was just really in the moment. I knew where my pitch count was and how my body was feeling. I was really excited to attack the next hitter. It was in no way my intention to show him up.”

Crochet stressed his respect for the Red Sox front office and coaching staff. And while the competitor in Crochet wanted to stay on the hill, the second-year full-time starter fully understands Boston’s decision was made with the long term in mind.