A recent on-field moment raised questions about a possible disagreement between two experienced Red Sox players, but interim manager Chad Tracy assured there's no conflict. During Thursday's game against the Athletics, Jarren Duran appeared frustrated with Willson Contreras for not attempting to score on a fly ball in the sixth inning. Tracy confirmed that the two remain on good terms.
After the game, Duran and Contreras discussed the play. Tracy emphasized the team's strong spirits, suggesting there's more to the situation than media coverage suggests. He said, "There's more to that than, maybe, what's getting put out there."
Contreras was on third base with one out when Duran hit a fly ball to left field. Third base coach Chad Epperson didn't signal for Contreras to run, and Soderstrom, with a strong throwing arm, fired a throw to home. Duran gestured toward third base, sparking speculation. Tracy explained his frustration stemmed from self-criticism, not any conflict with Contreras.
Duran’s frustration continued into the dugout, where witnesses saw him throw his helmet and hit a pipe, causing water to spill. Per WEEI, he also smashed an iPad. The outburst led to concerns about whether deeper issues were at play.
Tracy acknowledged that Duran's outburst included self-dissatisfaction and led to a conversation between the two players. He clarified the belief that Duran wanted Contreras to run was "not necessarily true," but gave no further details about their interaction.
Duran is batting .195 with a .589 OPS in 101 games this season. Despite his struggles, Tracy remains confident in his abilities, calling him a "good player." He ruled out benching him following the outburst.
Tracy also spoke to Duran about staying focused, especially after the player expressed "ashamed" feelings about his performance. He reminded Duran of his past contributions and emphasized his potential, encouraging him to look past current setbacks.
Tracy pointed out that limited left field options put the team in a tough spot. Roman Anthony is recovering from injury, and Masataka Yoshida and Jahmai Jones are defensive weaknesses at the position. He said the team is "willing to give him some rope" due to Duran's talent.
Duran is a trade candidate before the deadline, but the Red Sox have few viable alternatives in left field. Yoshida struggles defensively, while Jones has poor stats against right-handed pitching. Tracy believes Duran's skills justify his continued role.
Tracy highlighted Duran's May performance as proof of his potential. He noted that recent struggles don't define his capabilities, saying, "You can't ignore what he's capable of doing." He urged people to consider the bigger picture of his season.
Tracy described the incident as a minor issue that's part of the 162-game season. He said, "In our line of work, some of that stuff gets put on TV and it gets blown up." He emphasized the team's maturity in handling the matter internally.
Tracy reiterated his confidence in Duran and Contreras, stating, "They're both great. They're on really good terms." He believes the team's unity and internal discussions are enough to resolve any tensions.
Despite the outburst and struggles, Duran is expected to stay in the lineup. Tracy believes the team can keep Duran motivated and productive, highlighting his potential and past success as reminders of his value to the club.
The Red Sox are balancing Duran's underperformance with his potential. Tracy emphasized that his May performance showed his abilities and that limited left field options make it hard to replace him. He remains hopeful for a rebound.
Tracy acknowledged the outburst as part of Duran's emotional response. He said, "When things happen and your group goes in and is mature about it and they deal with it and everybody's on good terms, you just move past it." He praised the team's maturity and unity.