The recent game between the Mets and Red Sox showcased the returns of Walker Buehler and manager Alex Cora, after respective absences due to injury and personal reasons. While Cora faced criticism for missing a game for his daughter's graduation, his bench coach successfully managed the team. The game's tension escalated when Cora was ejected after attempting to protect Buehler, who had just pitched his first outing post-injury. This incident highlighted the challenges of managing—from both a leadership and strategic perspective—within a competitive environment.
Cora's absence was even briefer: To the ire of one Boston talk radio guy, Cora missed Monday's game to attend his daughter's college graduation.
Cora was trying to avert a problem that would be felt in much less abstract ways than "optics" and "leadership."
Estabrook had ejected the starting pitcher. "I don't know what the exchange was, but I've been at this for a few years, and I was just begging, 'Just give me a break.'"
The Red Sox did not need Cora to make pitching changes; bench coach Ramón Vázquez managed those ably in a 3-1 win to open the series.
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